In a recent interview with Dr. Dale Bredesen, Dr. Judy Benjamin shared insights from Austin, the halfway mark of her remarkable walk across America — a 3,000-mile trek from San Diego to St. Augustine, Florida. Now more than 1,500 miles in, her journey is both a physical feat and a bold statement: that cognitive decline can be addressed, and in some cases, reversed.
Dr. Benjamin is not only a determined advocate — she is also living proof. Over a decade ago, she reversed her own Alzheimer’s symptoms using the Bredesen protocol and has maintained cognitive and physical vitality since. Now at age 81, she walks 18 to 20 miles a day, often in extreme heat and challenging conditions, and continues to report mental clarity, energy, and deep, restorative sleep.
Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. The City of Austin officially proclaimed Tuesday, August 5th, 2025, as “Dr. Judy Benjamin Day” — commending her extraordinary walk, her advocacy for Alzheimer’s awareness, and her message that prevention and healing are possible at any age.
Through her nonprofit, the Alzheimer’s Survivor Foundation, Dr. Benjamin is championing early screening and lifestyle-based strategies that challenge conventional thinking about aging and cognitive decline. She’s also gathering stories from others who have experienced similar recoveries — aiming to build a nationwide movement of Alzheimer’s survivors.
I recently reached a major milestone — 1000 miles walked! The sun was setting, but I pushed on across the little bridge, determined to make the last few tenths of a mile to reach 1000 miles. The landscape couldn’t have been prettier with a windmill turning slowly behind me and the sky turning shades of pink and orange. It felt good to reach 4-digit miles, like making real progress. Onward for two thousand more miles to go!
From Van Horn, my route headed towards Valentine and Marfa. On the way, I happened upon the Valentine Bar — a true West Texas treasure tucked between the two towns. The little bar has that dusty, off-the-map magic reminiscent of days gone by. The green 1950s Formica and chrome table brought back memories from my childhood. A big shout-out to the proprietor, Jason, for letting us hang out at this infamous dive bar with a renowned reputation. We took some pictures of hundreds, perhaps thousands, of dollar bills, signed and tacked up over the walls. The bar had an eclectic feel to it, in this town known for its Valentine’s Day festivities.
From there, I moved through Marfa, Alpine, and Marathon — towns built up around railroad workers, miners, and their families in the 1800s. Next, we reached Sanderson, otherwise known as the “Cactus Capital of Texas.” The terrain along the way in this part of Texas is rugged and often desolate, but not without charm. Treated to spectacular sunrises and sunsets with their ombre-colored cast of browns, beiges, oranges, dark blues, and greens.
The road leaving Sanderson challenged the body and brain. The stretch of US-90 between Sanderson and Dryden — 89 miles of absolutely nothing, no gas stations, or food stops — just a long desert road stretching ahead. No options except camping on the roadside under the stars.
Now I’m past Dryden and through Langtry, nearly 1,200 miles into this journey. I’ve seen jackrabbits with impossibly long ears, dead rattlesnakes (thankfully not alive), and even a few dead tarantulas. It’s wild out here — stark and breathtaking.
On chilly mornings, I am tempted to pull up the covers and stay cozy. But I don’t. I lace up my shoes and keep walking. Because every step forward is a promise — to me, to everyone following along, and to anyone who’s ever been told what they can’t do.
Until next time,
Judy
In a heartfelt interview on Boomers Today with host Frank Samson, Judy Benjamin discussed her powerful journey from an Alzheimer’s diagnosis at age 67 to reversing her symptoms through Dr. Dale Bredesen’s groundbreaking protocol. As Dr. Bredesen’s first success case, or his “Patient Zero.” Judy adopted a new lifestyle centered on diet, exercise, sleep, and brain health, which led her to become a RECODE Certified Coach with Apollo Health and founder of her consulting practice, Access Longevity.
Now 81, Judy is walking 3,000 miles across the U.S. to raise awareness and offer hope to others facing cognitive decline. Throughout the interview, she emphasized that while there is no “cure” for Alzheimer’s, meaningful reversal of symptoms is possible with commitment and the right tools.
Hello from the long, hot road deep in southwest Texas with the relentless sunshine, beautiful vistas of desert, framed by mountain ranges, and several dead tarantulas along the road (seriously)! As I move forward toward my destination, I continue to meet incredible people who are interested in learning about my walk. I’m now over 900 miles into my journey — just around the bend from the 1,000-mile mark — and that milestone is more than just a number. It means I’m over a third of the way to completing my walk across America. Every day brings new challenges and confirms my reasons for walking.
In El Paso, I welcomed Fabio, a new support member to my road crew. He’s driving and helping capture footage of this journey. I’m very grateful to have his support as we push through some of the toughest miles yet. In El Paso, I met Lulu Castro, a lovely woman who recognized me in Walgreens after seeing me on the news. Lulu came out to my RV to say hello. She told me she had stopped walking and going to the gym due to fatigue and knee pain, but after seeing my story, she felt inspired to start moving again. Hearing that made my day — it’s exactly why I’m doing this walk.
The desert brings its own set of obstacles. Temperatures consistently rose to over 100 degrees, hovering around 106°F for a few days. A sudden sandstorm caught me by surprise and forced us to dash into the RV for shelter. The high heat and dry air make hydration challenging. I tried using cooling towels, but they dry out within minutes and become a stiff cardboard scarf. At least my unfashionable “fisherman’s” wide-brimmed hat offers some protection from the sun. Its back flap keeps the sun off my neck, and I can cover the lower part of my face with the front flap. Add gigantic sunglasses, and I look like an alien from outer space!
The desert also brings incredibly beautiful sunsets and sunrises. I love the peaceful silence, the buzzing of insects, and the wind rustling the mesquite bushes. The silence is frequently interrupted by the passing traffic. However, Texas’s well-earned reputation of being a friendly state is borne out daily by the many people who stop their cars to ask if I need assistance. One delightful elderly gentleman, a retired marine, he was proud to tell me, asked where I was headed. When I told him Florida, he said, “Let me buy you a bus ticket!” He reached into his breast pocket, pulled out a small patch, and gave it to me. It was a star from the American flag — a gift I will treasure!
I passed through Sierra Blanca, a small Texas town with a big history. It is named after the Sierra Blanca Mountain, a volcanic peak. I stayed in the Historic Sierra Blanca motel, built in 1928. Scores of famous people have stayed there, including Elvis Presley and John Wayne. The owners, Charles and Etty, were wonderful hosts. Onward towards Van Horn!
This journey is about more than reaching St. Augustine. It’s about reminding people, no matter their age or limitations, that movement is possible, vital, and joyful. Whether you’re walking across the country or around the block, every step matters. So keep moving every day, keep showing up for yourself, and maybe — just maybe — I’ll see you out on the road.
Until next time,
Judy
Hello from the Land of Enchantment! Crossing into New Mexico felt like a milestone worth celebrating — not only because it marks nearly 900 miles of my coast-to-coast journey, but also because I turned 81 this month. As I stood by the “Welcome to New Mexico” sign just outside Bylas, Arizona, holding up a handmade 500-mile marker, I paused to take it all in: the quiet crunch of gravel beneath my shoes, the wind tugging at my clothes, and the wide desert stretching before me. Bylas, known as the “Land of the Apache,” is in the San Carlos Apache Indian reservation.
This part of the walk has been quieter, more remote. The wind is strong — at times nearly knocking me off balance — but I find the solitude grounding. It gives me space to reflect on why I’m walking.
During a recent stop, I joined the lovely team at KTSM-TV Channel 9 for a live segment where I shared the heart of this journey. At 67, I was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s. Thirteen years later, I am walking 3,000 miles across America to show that aging doesn’t have to mean decline. Thanks to lifestyle changes and the support of Dr. Dale Bredesen’s protocol, I’ve been able to reclaim my brain health. I want people to know it’s possible to change the course of cognitive decline if you start early and stay committed.
This walk is deeply personal. I lost my mother to Alzheimer’s, as well as four of her brothers. We didn’t have the knowledge back then that we do now. That’s why I share my story every step of the way — on sidewalks, in interviews, and online. I walk not just in memory of my mom, but for every family who’s facing this disease and wondering if there’s hope. I promise you: there is.
A big thank you to everyone cheering me on — your comments, DMs, and donations mean more than I can say. Also, welcome to our new support team member, Fabio, who is a colleague of Mike’s, who is on another assignment as a videographer posted at the basecamp of K2, who joined us as we climb our own steep hills — literally and figuratively. (And yes, I still get asked about my shoes — Xero Shoes, all the way!)
You can follow my journey and join the community on Instagram @JudyWalksAmerica or my website, judywalks.com. I’m walking for awareness, science, and hope; with every step, I feel like I’m walking with all of you.
Until next time,
Judy
Last night, just before 9 PM, I hit a number that stopped me in my tracks—1,000 miles. That’s one-third of the way across the country. One thousand miles of pavement, dirt trails, tiny towns, and moments of stillness that changed me.
What surprised me wasn’t the physical distance—it was the mental clarity.
To help mark the moment, I invited Dr. Dale Bredesen to join me. You might know him as the author of The End of Alzheimer’s. To me, he’s a lighthouse in the fog—a reminder that aging doesn’t have to mean decline. That brain fog isn’t a life sentence. That we’re not broken—we’re just out of sync with how our brains were designed to thrive.
We talked hydration (yes, I drink a lot more water now), the heat wave sweeping across the U.S., and how even small changes—like walking—send powerful signals to the brain: “I’m not giving up on you.”
Dr. Bredesen reminded me that what we do each day isn’t just maintenance—it’s building. Every mile walked, every good night’s sleep, every anti-inflammatory meal is like laying bricks in the foundation of a better brain. His words stuck with me: “Cognitive decline isn’t a one-way street.”
This walk started as a challenge. But it’s becoming a practice. A rhythm. A quiet rebellion against the myth that our best days are behind us. If 1,000 miles has taught me anything, it’s that growth—real, neuroplastic growth—comes not in leaps, but in steps. Literally.
Thank you, Dr. Bredesen, for the wisdom. And thank you, dear reader, for walking alongside me—whether on your feet or in spirit. We’ve got 2,000 miles to go. But today, I’m celebrating every step.
Here’s to what’s ahead.
Judy
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 — both physical and cognitive. Despite a strong family history of the disease, she credits consistent movement and a healthy lifestyle for her well-being, emphasizing that age and fear should never be barriers to taking on big challenges. She also expressed gratitude to her supporters, including CareScout, Apollo Health, and others, for helping make her mission possible.
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.
While in Wickenburg, I spoke to a Real Country KSWG FM radio host, Rick Kelly, about why I’m doing this. He was surprised to hear I was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s over ten years ago. Back then, my memory was fading. But with help from Dr. Dale Bredesen, I followed a personalized protocol: changes in food, sleep, exercise, supplements, and reducing toxins. Gradually, my symptoms began to reverse.
This walk isn’t about miracle cures. It’s about showing what’s possible. Cognitive decline doesn’t have to be a one-way street. That’s why I helped start The Alzheimer’s Survivors Foundation, a non-profit foundation focused on sharing practical strategies that can make a difference. I’m not promising miracles, but I don’t want people to feel powerless. My experience, and others like mine, show that decline isn’t always inevitable and can be prevented.
Don’t give up if you’re a caregiver or facing a diagnosis. Small changes matter. Something as simple as walking, just moving every day, can help more than you might think. There are great resources now. Dr. Bredesen has four published books, including his first, The End of Alzheimer’s, and his latest, The Ageless Brain, which I highly recommend. Look online for information and support communities working toward real solutions, like CareScout, a nationwide network providing in-home caregivers, resources, and dignity to all who need care.
I loved my stop in Wickenburg. It was such a charming town with a cowboy history, which made me want to buy a cowboy hat. If I hadn’t had the walk to focus on, I might have been tempted to stay and be a cowgirl.
Until next time,
Judy
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’ve met people from all walks of life, many struggling with their own health or caring for someone with cognitive issues. They listen to my story; I listen to theirs, and we connect. This walk is about hope, memory, and the threads that tie us together. I feel it with every step.
I am reflecting on my walk on California’s historic Highway 111, built in the 1930s to accommodate the growth fueled by the Southern Pacific Railroad. The highway stretches approximately 130 miles, passing through key cities like Indio, Calipatria, and Palm Springs, dotted with sand dunes and interspersed with green fields, hay bales, and cattle farms. I witnessed hay being cut and bailed, along with numerous other agricultural activities in this area. This stretch was cloudless, and the air was still. I was grateful for the occasional breeze. I added walking sticks to my armature. They seem to propel me forward at a faster pace and provide the additional benefit of strengthening my arms, even though using them requires more energy.
As I was heading towards Brawley, Mike, my videographer and driver, congratulated me on completing 200 miles (we had accomplished that a bit earlier). He made a sign out of cardboard and took my picture to commemorate the occasion. At one point, I was descending the hilly dunes, which were challenging because there was no shoulder. I had to jump to the side of the road when fast-moving, large trucks passed. Those maneuvers really slowed me down. Safety first, I would rather jump over than meet the oncoming traffic!
By now I walk at a comfortable easy pace and feel great. The blisters that plagued me in the early days of the walk have healed. My feet have adjusted to walking for more than eight hours a day. One night, on a lonely stretch of desert road, we camped next to the roadside. Hearing an unfamiliar sound coming from the brush, we discovered a few stray donkeys. It was nice to encounter some wildlife along the way. In addition to the donkeys, I have seen one live snake, two dead ones, and many lizards.
A number of people posting on social media about my walk have asked what I do to stay healthy, and specifically what I have done to reverse my memory loss. The answer is complicated with so much to discuss, but gathering information about your body is one of the first steps. Find out where you stand by getting tested to learn about your body’s inflammation levels, glucose levels, and whether you are insulin resistant or not. Find a good practitioner, a coach, or a nutritionist trained in the Bredesen Protocol. Free cognitive assessments are available online. As the saying goes, “you can’t manage what you don’t measure.” Start with the basics: daily exercise, a healthy diet of fresh food, and restorative sleep. I’m not going to tell you that it is easy to get your brain back to a healthy state, but I am proof that it is possible if you are willing to do the work. Age shouldn’t hold you back, promise yourself to make some area of your life better each day. Apollo Health has a practitioner locator tool to help you do that. Enter your zip code here to find a practitioner ideally near you, but one farther away is OK too. Telehealth enables us to get the expert help we urgently need. For more information on the first steps toward your healing journey, email info@ahnphealth.com.
Until next time,
Judy