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.

Watch the full segment on KBTX 3.

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