81-Year-Old Judy Benjamin Walks Across America for Alzheimer’s Awareness

Judy Benjamin, 81, is on a 3,000-mile walk across the United States to spotlight Alzheimer’s awareness and the importance of healthy aging. Recently, she passed through Navasota and Brenham, Texas, where she shared her motivation and experiences with KBTX News Correspondent Donnie Tuggle.

At 67, she was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s and felt her options were limited. Through the guidance of Dr. Dale Bredesen’s lifestyle-based program, which focuses on nutrition, movement, rest, and other daily practices, she says she was able to restore her cognitive health.

Support driver Fabio Moser accompanies her each day, providing water, supplies, and safety support as she covers nearly 20 miles at a time. Their effort has also gained the support of walk sponsor CareScout, a company dedicated to providing resources for families navigating long-term care and aging.

Benjamin says her goal is to give others living with Alzheimer’s hope, while also reminding caregivers to protect their own well-being. “If you’ve been diagnosed with cognitive decline, don’t give up — look at the options available. And if you’re caring for someone, don’t forget to care for yourself, too,” she told KBTX. She will continue her route through Southeast Texas before crossing into Louisiana and making her way along the Gulf Coast.

Watch the segment and read the full article here.