LOS ANGELES – Judy Benjamin, diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at 67, is now walking across the United States at 81, demonstrating the potential to reverse the symptoms of this debilitating disease.
Immediate Impact
Judy Benjamin’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease came 13 years ago, a condition that had already affected her mother and several uncles. The symptoms began subtly, with forgotten phone numbers and difficulty reading. A brain scan confirmed the presence of amyloid plaque build-up, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s.
Today, Benjamin is in the midst of an ambitious cross-country walk from San Diego to Saint Augustine, Florida, to prove that reversing Alzheimer’s symptoms is possible. She aims to complete her journey by October 5, accompanied by a support team and a film crew documenting her story.
Key Details Emerge
Benjamin’s journey began on April 5, and she recently celebrated reaching the 1,000-mile mark. Her mission is to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s and share her success story. “I’ve been really thrilled with the people I’ve met along the way,” she told The Independent. “Everyone knows someone with Alzheimer’s, and they’re very interested in my story because I reversed my cognitive decline by radically changing my life.”
Background Context
The symptoms of Alzheimer’s began for Benjamin shortly after her mother’s death from the disease. “I was working overseas and started to get really worried because I couldn’t remember things — even my own phone number or locker combination,” she recalled to Fox News Digital. Scans revealed significant amyloid plaque and damage to her brain’s parietal areas, crucial for location awareness and touch processing.
Expert Analysis
Dr. Dale Bredesen, a renowned expert in neurodegenerative diseases and Chief Science Officer of Apollo Health, played a pivotal role in Benjamin’s recovery. He developed the ReCODE protocol, which Benjamin followed. This regimen included dietary changes, exercise, sleep adjustments, and meditation.
“The bottom line is that it is a personalized, precision medicine protocol that addresses the drivers specific to each person,” Bredesen explained to The Independent.
Bredesen’s research, documented in several books, supports the notion that Alzheimer’s symptoms can be reversed, particularly when treatment begins early. He describes Benjamin as “a survivor of cognitive decline and a remarkable role model for anyone interested in healthy aging.”
By the Numbers
- 13 years since Alzheimer’s diagnosis
- 3,000-mile journey across the U.S.
- 1,000 miles completed so far
What Comes Next
Benjamin’s journey is not only a personal triumph but also a beacon of hope for others. “Very few people are capable of walking 3,000 miles, from coast to coast. But to have someone doing it who is 81 years old, and has reversed her cognitive decline, is truly historic,” Bredesen stated to The Independent.
Benjamin’s message is clear: cognitive decline can be prevented and reversed. “That is really the purpose of my journey,” she emphasized. “And also to show that you can be 81 years old and walk all this way one step at a time.”
As she continues her trek, Benjamin remains a powerful advocate for Alzheimer’s awareness and the potential for recovery, inspiring countless others along the way.
