Journal

In a recent interview with KTSM-TV Channel 9, 81-year-old Judy Benjamin discussed her inspiring walk across the country from San Diego to Florida, celebrating both her birthday and nearly 900 miles traveled on foot. Diagnosed with Alzheimer's at age 67, Judy shared how her journey aims to redefine aging and demonstrate the benefits of exercise.

I find myself pausing at the edge of the active runway at Wickenburg Municipal Airport. I pause to watch a small plane lift into the sky. I used to fly — first a Cessna 150, then a Cherokee. I miss it. But now, I'm crossing the country on foot, walking from San Diego to St. Augustine to raise awareness about Alzheimer's — and the hope that still exists.

It's hard to believe, but I've walked over 750 miles! I crossed into New Mexico and passed Safford and Franklin, Arizona, both of which had stunning desert landscapes. Lordsburg and Deming came next, with broad skies and low horizons before me. Signal and Silver City brought a change in scenery and elevation. Silver City had an artsy, almost whimsical energy to it. I am now in Hatch, known for its famous green chiles.

I just passed the 200-mile mark on my walk along California's historic Highway 111—and what a journey it's been! Between dodging fast trucks on narrow dunes, spotting stray donkeys in the desert, and finally finding my stride (blister-free!), this leg of the walk has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. In this episode, I share some of the surprising sights, the tools that keep me moving (hello, walking sticks!), and the steps I took to reverse my memory loss. If you're wondering how to get started on your own healing path, I've got practical advice to help you begin.

It's hard for me to believe that I've already walked more than 500 miles! Looking back at some of the video footage, including the drone shots which show the incredibly beautiful landscapes and long stretches of roads, memories flashed before me. The small towns and settlements each with their unique features and charm. But what has been most impressive have been the people I've met. As soon as they learn what I'm doing and why, they are immediately interested. Everyone identifies with cognitive decline and Alzheimer's...

Dr. Judy Benjamin met with Kathy Bernard, host of The Grands Podcast, to discuss her 3,000-mile walk from San Diego to St. Augustine, Florida. They talked about her early-stage Alzheimer's diagnosis at age 67, including her family history, her mom and uncles passed away from the disease. She spoke of the panic she felt after diagnosis, and how her doctor told her she would end up like her mom, and there wasn't anything that could be done.

On April 12th I celebrated the 13th anniversary of when I started my journey to wellness and recovery from memory loss with Dr. Dale Bredesen's protocol. The rough course today challenges my resolve. The wind pushes me forward and back. The narrow ledge on the shoulder limits my walking space. But my walk is a journey, not a race. I don't feel pressured to meet impressive daily mileage. With excellent team support, and all the wonderful followers cheering me on--I am confident that I will reach my destination.

Dr. Judy Benjamin appeared on the Good Morning Arizona Show this May. She spoke with anchors Kylee Cruz and Alaina Kwan about her 3,000-mile walk across the country and the reasons she undertook the journey. Benjamin encouraged others to take their brain health into their own hands, explaining that there are things you can do to reverse cognitive decline, as she has.

As I am heading closer to the California-Arizona border, I am walking uphill and feeling a little breathless because of the climb; these are the first of many climbs I will be making as I move along, and it has been a great way to test my endurance and stamina. I've enjoyed the beautiful scenery, the cows in the pasture, and the desert chaparral so far. This is a great way to see the country and meet folks who stop me and ask what I'm doing on the road.

I'm a little over a week into my journey, which started on April 5th in San Diego. The Arizona border lies ahead as we head toward Blythe, Calif., located in the Palo Verde Valley of the lower Colorado River Valley Region. I have loved telling my story of hope and possibilities for better brain health to the inquisitive people who stop me by the side of the road. I want them to know that there is another way of living, and they can make the most of their lives and take charge of their health.

Fox News Senior Health editor Melissa Rudy spoke with Judy Benjamin, a wellness coach and Dr. Dale Bredesen's “patient zero,” about her 3k-mile walk across the U.S. from San Diego to St. Augustine, Florida. Diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease at age 67, Benjamin told Rudy that she is determined to raise awareness about brain health and demonstrate that a diagnosis doesn't mean the end of a vibrant life through this walk.

I just finished my first day of the journey, walking through beautiful San Diego, known for its stunning beaches and temperate climate. It was satisfying to leave months of planning, preparing, and training behind me and to finally be on my way across America to St. Augustine, Florida. I will miss my cats, but I am excited about the people I may meet and the adventures that lay ahead. As I walk and bring attention to living a full and healthy life with purpose, I hope others will follow in my footsteps.