Judy Benjamin’s Journey Against Alzheimer’s

Judy Benjamin received an Alzheimer’s diagnosis at 67, a disease that also afflicted her mother and several uncles. Initially, she experienced minor issues—like forgetting a phone number or struggling with the newspaper. However, a brain scan later revealed damage and amyloid plaque accumulation, typical indicators of Alzheimer’s, which is known to impact memory, thinking, and behavior.

Now at 81, Benjamin is on an ambitious trek across the country, aiming to demonstrate that reversal of Alzheimer’s symptoms is feasible. She’s following a specific, evidence-based protocol that has worked for her. Starting her walk on April 5 in San Diego, she plans to reach Saint Augustine, Florida, by October 5. Accompanied by a support team and film crew for a documentary, she recently celebrated reaching the 1,000-mile mark.

“I’ve been really thrilled with the people I’ve met along the way,” she mentioned. “Everyone seems to know someone affected by Alzheimer’s, and they’re genuinely interested in my story because I’ve managed to reverse my cognitive decline with lifestyle changes.”

Getting to this stage wasn’t without challenges. Benjamin’s symptoms began around the time her mother passed away from the disease, which was two decades after her initial diagnosis. “I was working abroad and grew increasingly anxious about my memory—forgetting my own phone number and getting lost while driving,” she recalled.

Brain scans indicated significant amyloid plaque buildup and damage in critical areas of her brain responsible for understanding location and touch. This realization brought her distress and sadness. To create a new trajectory, a friend encouraged her to meet Dr. Dale Bredesen, a recognized expert in neurodegenerative diseases.

Bredesen had been developing a protocol aimed at reversing Alzheimer’s symptoms but hadn’t yet tested it on patients. He believes the disease is not only preventable but reversible. Fortuitously, Benjamin began her treatment as Bredesen was seeking a “patient zero.”

During her initial visit, he noticed her taking extensive notes due to her memory issues. Bredesen had her follow the ReCODE protocol, which involved diet and exercise changes, sleep adjustments, and incorporating meditation. He described ReCODE as a personalized medicine approach targeting factors unique to each individual.

Despite existing documentation on the potential for reversing cognitive decline, Bredesen pointed out that many people are unaware of its possibility. Early intervention tends to yield better results. His findings are compiled in books like The End of Alzheimer’s and The Ageless Brain.

Over time, they have worked together on her cognitive health. Benjamin has transformed into a brain health coach and yoga instructor, and Bredesen regards her as “a remarkable role model for healthy aging.”

“It’s historic to see someone at 81 accomplishing a 3,000-mile walk after reversing cognitive decline since her 2012 diagnosis,” he said. “She is an inspiring figure, doing something that most, including myself, could not.”

Ultimately, Benjamin aims to spread hope about the possibility of preventing and reversing cognitive decline. “That is really the purpose of my journey,” she expressed. “To show that even at 81, you can make it this far, one step at a time.”