Thirteen years after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, 80-year-old Judy Benjamin from California is embarking on a remarkable journey across the United States to demonstrate the power of proactive aging. On Saturday, April 5, she began her 3,000-mile walk from San Diego, California, to St. Augustine, Florida, a journey that will take five months to complete.
Benjamin, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 67, hopes to inspire others by showing that aging doesn’t have to limit one’s life. “People wonder why I would put myself through this,” Benjamin said in an interview with Fox News Digital the day before her walk began. “I really want to share with others not to be discouraged. Life is here to enjoy, and age is a number, but you don’t have to be identified and characterized by that number.”
Benjamin’s family history of Alzheimer’s made her diagnosis less of a surprise, though it was still a frightening moment. Her mother and several uncles had also been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, which Benjamin described as a “scary” realization. “It was very disturbing to me,” she explained. “I knew what was coming.”
Her early symptoms included memory loss, trouble remembering her grandchildren’s names, and even getting lost while driving, something she had never experienced before. Brain scans revealed significant amyloid plaque buildup and some damage to parts of her brain. As a result, she became deeply distressed and worried about her future.
However, Benjamin’s journey took a turn when a friend referred her to Dr. Dale Bredesen, a California doctor known for his innovative approach to Alzheimer’s treatment. Dr. Bredesen’s research suggests that Alzheimer’s is not caused by a single factor, but rather by a combination of factors that inflame the brain. He worked closely with Benjamin, helping her adopt a series of lifestyle changes aimed at reducing brain inflammation.
“I started following his recommendations to the letter,” Benjamin shared. “I completely changed my lifestyle.” These changes included optimizing her sleep, improving her indoor environment, incorporating stress-reducing meditation, and starting a regular exercise routine.
Benjamin also overhauled her diet, cutting out diet sodas and sugars, and focusing on whole foods such as vegetables and fruits. Slowly, she began to notice improvements. “It wasn’t overnight, but one day I realized I could remember my grandchildren’s names again,” she recalled.
Inspired by her own positive transformation, Benjamin became a national board-certified health and wellness coach, specializing in brain health and neurology. Her mission now is to raise awareness about the importance of taking control of one’s health as they age, and to offer hope to those affected by Alzheimer’s.
Benjamin’s walk across America is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit. Through her journey, she aims to encourage others to adopt healthier lifestyles and challenge the limitations often associated with aging.
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