81-Year-Old Woman Walks 3,000 Miles for Alzheimer’s Awareness

An 81-year-old woman from Norfolk, Virginia, is on a remarkable journey, walking approximately 3,000 miles from California to Florida to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease. Judy Benjamin began her trek on April 5, 2023, in San Diego, aiming to reach St. Augustine, Florida, by November.

As she travels across the United States, Benjamin encounters a mix of urban streets, mountain passes, and rural highways. Standing at just 4 feet 11 inches and weighing 97 pounds, she walks with a sturdy stick and often carries a bright red umbrella for shade. Her colorful outfits, which include Bermuda shorts and sundresses, are designed to attract attention and spark conversations about her mission.

Diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s in 2012, Benjamin’s journey is deeply personal. The disease has affected her family significantly, claiming the cognitive abilities of her mother and four uncles. Despite her diagnosis, Benjamin reports that her cognitive function remains intact, attributing this to a lifestyle change inspired by her research into treatments that can alleviate symptoms.

Along her route, mapped by the Adventure Cycling Association, Benjamin has traversed diverse landscapes, including the Cuyamaca Mountains and the Colorado River. By mid-September, she had already covered 1,820 miles, marking the halfway point of her ambitious journey.

Reflecting on her initial symptoms, Benjamin recalls the challenges she faced while working as a consultant and government contractor. “I started forgetting things,” she shared, recalling moments of disorientation that made her fear a similar fate as her mother’s. Seeking answers, she began testing for Alzheimer’s at age 67, which confirmed her fears.

While treatments for Alzheimer’s have traditionally offered limited benefits, advancements in medicine provide new hope. According to Dr. Daniel Cohen, chief of neurology for Sentara Medical Group, recent developments in pharmaceuticals can slow the progression of early-stage Alzheimer’s by up to 30%. However, Benjamin was initially told there was little that could be done for her condition.

Determined to improve her situation, Benjamin discovered the “Bredesen Protocol,” developed by Dr. Dale Bredesen. This protocol advocates for lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes, regular exercise, stress management, and improved sleep. Though some in the academic community question the scientific backing of these methods, Benjamin found value in the approach.

“I was willing because I had seen what the alternative was,” she stated. Following the protocol, she eliminated sugar from her diet, adopted a routine of physical activity, and made strides to enhance her sleep quality. These changes, she believes, have contributed to her overall well-being.

Benjamin maintains an impressive pace, averaging 18 miles a day and burning around 3,000 calories daily. As of her latest updates, she has lost approximately 15 pounds since starting her journey. Each morning, she fills her fanny pack with high-calorie snacks and sets out with determination, navigating by GPS.

Her journey is not only a personal mission but also a public awareness campaign. Sponsored by CareScout, a company focused on helping older adults find quality healthcare, Benjamin’s walk has captured public interest. A film crew is documenting her trek, and updates can be followed on her social media account, @judywalksamerica.

A rotating group of friends assists her by driving a recreational vehicle that supports her journey, providing meals and companionship along the way. “She’s so organized,” remarked Marryl Cahill, one of her friends. “She’s got everything kind of plotted out, but she’s very fluid and flexible with weather and traffic.”

As she walks, Benjamin often engages with passersby who are intrigued by her mission. Many express their support, with some even offering to help. One man, seeing her on two occasions in a small Arizona town, offered to buy her a bus ticket, which she graciously declined. Instead, he gifted her a small piece of cloth shaped like a star from an American flag, which she now carries as a token of encouragement.

Through her determination, Judy Benjamin exemplifies resilience and the power of advocacy in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Her journey not only raises awareness but also inspires hope for those affected by cognitive decline.