Judy Benjamin’s Inspiring Journey Against Alzheimer’s

Judy Benjamin faced a daunting diagnosis at just 67—Alzheimer’s disease, which had previously affected her mother and multiple uncles.

The initial signs were subtle, like forgetting a phone number and having difficulty reading newspapers. But things took a turn for the alarming after a brain scan revealed damage and buildup of amyloid plaques, which are well-known indicators of Alzheimer’s—an illness that progressively impacts memory, thinking, and behavior.

Now at 81, Benjamin is undertaking an ambitious cross-country walk not only for herself but also to demonstrate that it is indeed possible to reverse Alzheimer’s symptoms through a specific, science-based approach. This journey is her way of proving that recovery isn’t just a dream; she’s living proof.

She began this trek on April 5 in San Diego and aims to reach Saint Augustine, Florida, by October 5. Accompanied by a support crew and a film team documenting the experience, she recently celebrated surpassing 1,000 miles.

Reflecting on her travels, Benjamin expressed her joy at the connections she’s made. “I’ve been really thrilled with the people I’ve met along the way,” she shared. “Alzheimer’s touches so many lives, and people are drawn to my story because I’ve managed to reverse my cognitive decline through significant lifestyle changes.”

Her journey began soon after losing her mother to the disease, 20 years after her own diagnosis. “While I was working abroad, I started getting really anxious. I couldn’t remember even simple things like my phone number or a combination for my locker,” she recalled. “I found myself getting lost while driving, which was unusual for me.”

Medical scans revealed extensive amyloid plaque buildup and damage in both sides of her parietal lobe—a critical area for spatial awareness and sensory processing, according to health experts. “I recognized it was deteriorating quickly, and it left me feeling incredibly depressed and distressed,” she recounted.

In search of new hope, she consulted with Dr. Dale Bredesen, an expert focusing on neurodegenerative diseases. He was exploring treatment options for Alzheimer’s and believed it could be reversed. Serendipitously, Benjamin became one of his first patients—something that felt almost fated.

During her initial visit, she took extensive notes, reflecting her concerns about memory loss. Bredesen advised her to follow his ReCODE protocol, which involved lifestyle changes, including dietary adjustments, exercise enhancements, improved sleep habits, and even meditation.

Bredesen explains that ReCODE is a personalized approach focusing on various factors impacting cognitive health—ranging from blood flow and inflammation to toxins and hormonal support. Despite evidence suggesting cognitive decline can often be reversed, he notes that many remain unaware of this possibility, especially if treatment starts early.

The duo has worked closely to monitor her progress, with Benjamin becoming a brain health coach and yoga instructor. “She’s not only a survivor of cognitive decline; she’s also an inspiring role model for those interested in healthy aging,” Bredesen remarked.

“Very few can undertake a 3,000-mile walk, let alone someone who is 81 and has effectively reversed early Alzheimer’s,” he added. “Her journey is nothing short of historic.”

Ultimately, Benjamin’s mission is clear—she aims to instill hope that cognitive decline can be both prevented and reversed. “That is really the purpose of my journey,” she shared. “To show that at 81, you can still embark on such an adventure, one step at a time.”