In a wide-ranging interview with Dr. Heather Sandison on the Think Well Age Well podcast, Judy Benjamin reflected on her journey from an Alzheimer’s diagnosis at age 67 to becoming a leading voice for hope, resilience, and action in brain health. After watching her mother decline from Alzheimer’s, Benjamin recognized early cognitive changes in herself and sought out researcher Dale Bredesen, whose emerging precision-medicine approach would later become known as the ReCODE Protocol.
Benjamin described the early stages of her recovery, including targeted testing, supplementation, dietary changes, improved sleep, toxin avoidance, and stress reduction. Within weeks of implementing these changes, she experienced a return of clarity and executive function. This experience reshaped her life and ultimately led her to become a certified ReCODE coach, supporting others navigating cognitive decline.
Eighty-one-year-old Benjamin recounted her journey of more than 3,000 miles across the United States to raise awareness that Alzheimer’s is not necessarily a one-way trajectory. Walking eight to twelve hours a day from San Diego to St. Augustine, she met thousands of people along the way, sharing her story and reinforcing a central message of the interview: aging is not defined by a number, and with commitment and the proper support, cognitive health can be reclaimed at any stage of life.
In an interview with Dr. Manna Semby, Alzheimer’s survivor Judy Benjamin described her experience after being diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease in 2011 at age 67. Fourteen years later, at age 81, Benjamin is walking 3,000 miles across the United States, raising awareness about brain health and early intervention.
During the interview, Dr. Semby contrasted Benjamin’s outcome with that of British broadcaster Fiona Phillips, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2021 at age 61. Four years after diagnosis, Phillips requires assistance with daily activities such as dressing and bathing, according to her husband, Martin Frizell.
Both women had strong family histories of Alzheimer’s disease and were diagnosed at early stages. The difference, as discussed in the interview, was how each responded following diagnosis. Benjamin pursued a comprehensive, multi-factor intervention addressing diet, physical activity, sleep, metabolic health, hormones, inflammation, stress, and cognitive training years before such approaches gained wider recognition.
The interview underscored the importance of the early-stage window in Alzheimer’s disease, when the brain retains greater capacity for stabilization and improvement. According to Dr. Semby, actions taken in the months and years surrounding diagnosis may play a critical role in determining long-term outcomes.
See Dr. Semby’s complete blog, Two Women: One Diagnosis, Two Strategies, Two Outcomes.
Judy Benjamin has finally reached the Atlantic, and on Saturday, November 15, dipped her toes into the water on Florida’s St. Augustine Beach. During her walk, she met hundreds of people across America, all curious about what that woman in a bright yellow safety vest, shaded under a red umbrella, walking alone on the side of the road, was doing. This gave her the chance to let them know that something can be done to prevent and reverse cognitive decline.
She crossed eight states: California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and stepped into Georgia before ending up in the historic town of St. Augustine, Florida, after walking over 2800 miles. Among the countless historical and unique cities Judy crossed through, historic St. Augustine was founded by Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés in 1565, making it the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United States. Judy will now take a well-deserved rest and head back to her family and cats. We will hear more from Judy about her momentous walk across America soon, so stay tuned here.
In a recent live webinar, Judy Benjamin sat down with Dr. Dale Bredesen to discuss the final stretch of her 3,000-mile walk across America. Streaming in as she approached the Atlantic Coast, Judy reflected on her journey from San Diego to Florida — a mission undertaken to raise awareness about brain health, prevention, and hope after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
During the conversation, Dr. Bredesen commended Judy’s perseverance and called her story “an inspiration for anyone facing cognitive decline.” He noted that her recovery through the ReCODE Protocol, a precision medicine approach for treating early-stage Alzheimer’s, illustrates how lifestyle and metabolic interventions can improve cognitive function even after symptoms appear.
Judy shared that her daily walks, nutrition through the KetoFLEX 12/3 diet, and focus on sleep and stress management were central to her turnaround. “This walk is not just about crossing a finish line,” she said. “It’s about showing people that it’s never too late to reclaim your health.” The webinar served as both a celebration of her nearing the Atlantic and a reminder that the path to prevention begins with taking one step at a time.
Read the full segment on YouTube
FOX 10 News reporter Shelby Myers caught up with 81-year-old Judy Benjamin as she walked past the WALA-TV studios in Mobile, part of her 3,000-mile journey from San Diego, California, to St. Augustine, Florida. Benjamin began the walk in April to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s prevention and the power of lifestyle change.
Diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s at 67, Benjamin sought help from neurologist Dr. Dale Bredesen, whose precision-medicine approach focuses on reducing brain inflammation through diet, exercise, sleep, and other healthy routines. “What have I got to lose?” she recalled asking before adopting the program that helped reverse her symptoms.
Now averaging 18 miles a day with a support driver nearby, Benjamin hopes her message inspires others to take early action. “There are things you can do about it,” she told FOX 10. “Don’t give up hope.” She plans to continue east along the Gulf Coast, crossing the Mobile Causeway on her way to Florida.
This week, I crossed another milestone on my coast-to-coast journey — 2,000 miles and counting. Each step reminds me why I started: to share hope that cognitive decline can be prevented and reversed.
Along the way, I also had the chance to join Dr. Dale Bredesen for a webinar. We discussed the everyday practices that keep me on track, including Keto-Friendly meals, daily walking, solid sleep, and stress management — and how these small, consistent steps add up to real change. Dr. Bredesen shared why putting these pieces together matters, and I explained how I make them work on the road, whether that’s choosing simple staples at diners or adjusting my plans when detours happen. If you missed the webinar, you can catch the recording here.
I’m writing today from New Orleans, where I’ve spent the last few days walking across this sprawling city. With over 2,000 miles now behind me, I can hardly believe I have fewer than 1,000 left before I step into the Atlantic Ocean at St. Augustine. My target is just before Thanksgiving, weather permitting.
Physically, I feel strong. No blisters, no joint pain, something I attribute to pacing myself, changing shoes and socks often, and relying on my trusty Xero barefoot shoes. They have kept me balanced and blister-free since I began my walk. Safety remains my biggest daily challenge — sharing the road with traffic requires focus, visibility, enhanced by my bright red umbrella and yellow dresses. Drivers, especially truckers, have been incredibly respectful, often moving over a lane to give me space. I’m thankful for their courtesy and for the countless good Samaritans who stop to offer water or simply a kind word.
Of course, this walk isn’t only about the miles. My mission is to spread hope: that Alzheimer’s is not an automatic death sentence, and that survivors like me do exist. Nearly everyone I meet has a loved one touched by this disease. I hand out cards directing them to the Alzheimer’s Survivors Foundation, so they know there are resources, stories, and a community waiting for them. I share my own story because I remember what it felt like to hear the words “there’s nothing we can do.” I refused to accept that and have shown that if you’re willing to do the work and follow the Bredesen Protocol, there’s plenty you can do to reverse symptoms. It works for me and can work for you too!
I still have hundreds of miles to go, but every step brings me closer to my goal. I walk with the memories of my mother, with the encouragement of strangers, and the deep conviction that the message of prevention and reversal must reach every family that needs it. Thank you for following along, cheering me on, and helping me carry this message forward.
Until next time,
Judy
Yahoo News recently featured Judy Benjamin, an 81-year-old Norfolk resident, who is walking across America to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s prevention and healthy aging. Her 3,000-mile trek from San Diego to St. Augustine is inspiring nationwide attention and demonstrating that lifestyle changes can have a profound impact on brain health.
The article details Judy’s journey, noting that she was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s at 67 but reversed her symptoms through lifestyle approaches, including the KetoFLEX 12/3™ way of eating, regular physical activity, and restorative sleep. Now averaging close to 20 miles per day, she is spreading hope to communities across the country, supported by a driver and documentarian who are capturing her story.
This national coverage underscores Judy’s message: with early intervention and dedication, it’s possible to fight back against memory loss. Explore her daily updates, milestone blogs, and photos here on JudyWalks.com, and read the full article on Yahoo! News.
Well, the “unstoppable Judy” was finally stopped — by COVID. My dear driver came down with it a few days before I did, and although I thought I had dodged it, the virus eventually caught up with me, too. I tried to walk but felt like a wet noodle, so I gave myself time to rest. I’m glad to report I’m back on my feet, slowly regaining strength.
My first day back was along the road through Bastrop State Park, on a hot Texas morning. This was exactly the kind of walk I had pictured before setting out across the country, quiet, shaded stretches through beautiful forest, with hardly any cars. It reminded me how rare that kind of peace is on American roads unless you’re inside a park.
We’ve also spent time at Somerville Lake, camping at an RV park that’s part of a national recreation area. The lake is gorgeous, the scenery breathtaking, but the ants and spiders made it a challenge. I had to dodge spiders in the bathhouse, since I’m allergic to their bites. Still, the beauty of the water and trees made up for these minor inconveniences.
People often ask what I eat while walking nine to eleven hours a day. I carry snacks like nuts, protein bars, and energy gels in my pouch — just like a squirrel. The challenge is eating enough to make up for the large number of calories I am burning daily. Of course, this isn’t the way I eat at home, where I follow a healthier, steadier plan and need less fuel. But I do my best on the road. I was especially happy with a recent meal of arugula salad with avocado, tomatoes, olive oil, lemon, wild-caught salmon, and pumpkin seeds. This is a typical meal I would eat at home.
I have mentioned before that I took this journey in part to honor my mom, who lived with Alzheimer’s for over 20 years. Caring for her alongside my sister was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. To see someone you love slowly disappear is devastating. My heart goes out to every caregiver walking that road — it’s exhausting, it’s heartbreaking, and it demands everything you have. Please, take care of yourselves as you care for your loved ones.
Finally, I want to share a bittersweet note. I’ve said goodbye to Fabio Moser, who has been an incredible support as my driver and videographer. He brought great energy and helped capture this journey in a way that I’ll always treasure. I’m deeply grateful for his time on the road with me, and I wish him the very best as he moves on to his next adventure, returning to Austria and his film work.
Until next time,
Judy
It’s hard to believe, but I’ve been on this journey for 100 days. Time moves differently when you’re walking across America. Each day brings opportunities to meet new people, see new places, and often face new challenges. I’ve just passed through Del Rio, Texas, and I’m now making my way toward Austin. The beauty and calm of sunsets refresh my body and mind, but there’s also a heaviness in the air. This region has been devastated by flooding, and sadly many lives have been lost. Even where I stand now, flood warnings are posted. It’s a reminder that nature’s power can never be underestimated.
As I walked north toward Austin, the reality of the floods caused me to reconsider my route. I had passed numerous road signs warning “Road may flood”. Rivers had risen more than twelve feet above their banks, swallowing roads and cutting off stretches of land. I stopped at the local sheriff’s office for more information on road conditions. The deputy told us the road ahead was closed and he didn’t know when it would reopen and be safe to walk on. When water is rising around you and you’re in a vehicle you have the option to turn around, but it is quite a different situation when on foot. Bowing to the acts of Mother Nature, we recalculated the route to walk eastward, avoiding the Kerrville area where we originally planned to visit.
Walking through the Hill Country, I was deeply moved by seeing the many green ribbons tied to fence posts, storefronts, and trees lined the towns — symbols of support for those who had lost so much in the floods. What struck me most was how these communities grieved and stood together. Communities showed that they felt the pain of their neighboring towns and stepped up to help. That sense of shared responsibility and care is something I will carry with me. It reminded me that communities are not defined by geographic borders but by human connections and empathy.
I was thrilled when I reached Austin, halfway across the United States, with 1,500 miles behind me and 1,500 more to go. It was an emotional milestone, made even more special when the mayor of Austin declared August 4th as “Dr. Judy Benjamin Day” and presented me with a beautiful certificate. That recognition is an honor, but the absolute honor has been to walk, to witness, and meet so many interesting and caring people along my journey. From here, I’ll continue, remembering the resilience and kindness of the people I’ve met in Texas.
Until next time,
Judy
Read the article on KBTX 3 News
At 81 years old, Judy Benjamin is walking across the country to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and promote healthy aging. Her 3,000-mile trek, which began in San Diego, California, and will conclude in St. Augustine, Florida, follows the Southern Tier route mapped by the Adventure Cycling Association. Recently, she passed through Navasota and Brenham, Texas, where she shared her motivation and experiences with KBTX News Correspondent Donnie Tuggle.
Benjamin, a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach and yoga therapist, was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s at 67. She credits neurologist Dr. Dale Bredesen’s lifestyle program — emphasizing diet, exercise, sleep, and other healthy routines — with helping her reverse symptoms. Inspired by her own success, she now hopes her journey will encourage others facing cognitive decline to seek proactive health solutions.
She is supported by driver and documentarian Fabio Moser, whom Tuggle also interviewed. Moser ensures her safety on the road and captures her story through photography and drone footage for an upcoming documentary. Benjamin’s efforts have also gained the backing of CareScout, a company focused on long-term care and aging resources.
Despite the challenges, Benjamin remains committed to her mission. Walking nearly 20 miles a day, she continues to meet communities along her route, sharing a message of resilience and hope. As she moves eastward toward Louisiana and the Gulf Coast, she emphasizes the importance of early action and self-care for both individuals with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.