I Transformed My Dementia: Simple Lifestyle Changes That Made a Big Difference

When Judy Benjamin started forgetting her own phone number she knew something was wrong. 

The retiree from Norfolk, Virginia, was concerned she was displaying signs of Alzheimer’s, which she was all too familiar with as her mother and several uncles suffered from the memory-robbing disease.

Neurological tests confirmed her fear: she had Alzheimer’s disease.

At 67, Benjamin was determined to fight off the debilitating neurological condition and she sought the help of Alzheimer’s expert and internationally recognized neurologist, Dr Dale Bredesen.

The doctor has long believed that Alzheimer’s is not only reversible, but preventable.

Benjamin got in touch just as Dr Bredesen was looking for a candidate to test his protocol. So, he devised a treatment plan for her.

Instead of flooding a patient with drugs typically used to manage Alzheimer’s, which can come with unpleasant side effects, Dr Bredesen takes a more tailored, holistic approach.

Instead of attacking the disease as a single condition, he looks at how it could be impacted by various metabolic and lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity and sleep.

When Judy Benjamin started forgetting her own phone number she knew something was wrong with her mind. The retiree from Norfolk, Virginia, was concerned she was displaying signed of Alzheimer’s which had blighted her family and tests revealed she was correct

His strategy involves extensive testing to identify individual imbalances, followed by personalized interventions like dietary changes, supplements, exercise, sleep optimization, stress reduction and addressing potential environmental toxins. 

Benjamin started her treatment plan in 2011, and within months she saw her memory slowly return. 

It took just over a year, she says, to fully reverse her symptoms of the progressive brain disorder. 

Despite Dr Bredesen’s claims, the Alzheimer’s Society notes that ‘to date, there have been no clinically validated systems, medications or lifestyle changes proven to reverse Alzheimer’s disease’. 

It adds, ‘[Dr] Bredesen’s claims simply aren’t backed by science. His research is limited, with papers that share anecdotal stories from 10 to 100 people. 

‘A larger sample size, replication of his protocol and more peer review are essential to determine if his claims are valid. Anecdotes alone are not enough evidence for a claim of this size.’

While some experts need further evidence that Dr Bredesen’s methods work, Benjamin claims she is proof that they do. 

‘People often ask specifically what I did to reverse cognitive decline,’ she told the Daily Mail.

‘The answer isn’t simple because I had to completely change my lifestyle, food, sleep and exercise. 

‘I stopped eating sugar and artificial sweeteners, and ultra processed foods. I switched to organic food whenever possible and increased the variety of vegetables.’

Research has shown that dietary choices can significantly impact cognitive decline.

Diets high in certain nutrients, like omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and flaxseed and antioxidants, such as those found in many fruits, vegetables and other plant-based foods, are associated with better cognitive function and a lower risk of dementia.

More than a decade on from her diagnosis, Benjamin (pictured) claims she has fully reversed her Alzheimer’s and in a bid to raise awareness around her recovery, she is walking 3,000 miles across America

Conversely, findings show that diets rich in saturated and trans fats, as well as ultra-processed foods, may contribute to cognitive decline and increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

Off the back of these findings, Benjamin was advised to embrace a nutrient-rich diet, packed with organic, sugar-free and non-processed foods.

‘No sugar. No junk. No regrets. Just real food, real nutrients, and real results,’ she explains.

Benjamin, now 81 and a grandmother, also underwent an environmental toxins assessment, which analyzed her exposure to various harmful substances like heavy metals, pesticides and industrial chemicals. 

Results revealed Judy was living in a moldy home and was surrounded by high levels of mycotoxins. 

Mycotoxins are toxic substances produced by fungi (molds) that can contaminate various agricultural products, including grains, nuts and dried fruits.

They pose health risks to both humans and animals, potentially causing acute or chronic health effects upon ingestion, inhalation or contact with skin.

There is also growing evidence suggesting a link between certain mycotoxins and harm to the brain. 

Along the way, she has been joined and supported by friends, family and complete strangers who have been inspired by her undertaking. Benjamin is pictured crossing the California state line

To solve the problem, Benjamin had the mold professionally removed from her home.  

‘After the mold was removed, I went through a lengthy detox protocol for my body that took several months,’ she said.

Her detox involved drinking plenty of water to support kidney function and flush out toxins through urination.

Then, with her diet, she was told to focus on nutrient-dense produce such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats, while avoiding processed foods, sugar, gluten and dairy.

Next in Dr Bredesen’s routine was getting Benjamin’s sleep back on track. 

She told the Daily Mail she ‘worked hard to improve my sleep, which had been horrible – sleeping sometimes only four or five hours a night. 

‘I learned to wind down in the evening, dim the lights, turn off all electronics and cool down the bedroom. 

‘I began a daily meditation practice to reduce stress and took up yoga. I also started doing brain training exercises, in particular the program BrainHQ.’

Adequate sleep, particularly deep sleep, is crucial for clearing the brain of amyloid proteins, which are associated with Alzheimer’s disease. If these are cleared it can lessen Alzheimer’s symptoms, particularly when done early in the disease process.

Meanwhile, activities like learning new skills, playing mentally stimulating games (like chess or puzzles), and engaging in social activities can help build a reserve of brain cells and connections, fending off dementia. 

Along with it not being backed by adequate science, the Alzheimer Society’s other qualm about Dr Bredesen’s protocol is its cost. 

The organization warns, ‘There is a significant financial investment required to undergo the treatment protocol, including the program itself, testing, supplements, alternative therapies and special diets. 

‘Most, if not all of these treatments, are not covered by provincial or territorial health plans. A person may invest thousands of dollars – or more – in a program that has not been proven to reverse Alzheimer’s disease.’

After starting her journey on April 5, Benjamin’s target is to make it to Saint Augustine, Florida, by Oct. 5

Despite the costs involved Benjamin, who is a former anthropologist and a board-certified health and wellness coach, went ahead with Dr Bredesen’s protocol.

After overhauling her life, she told the Mail the reversal of her Alzheimer’s was ‘gradual in various areas but some symptoms went away after three months, such as short term memory’.

She found her driving ability improved, and she stopped getting lost and disorientated while on the road.   

In the first year of her rehabilitation, Benjamin found that when she became tired or had poor sleep, her symptoms would return temporarily. 

But she said she pushed through with the program and, over time, her setbacks became less frequent.

‘It’s important to realize that it’s a process that takes time,’ she said. ‘Just as it took time for the brain to become compromised. Patience and dedication to healing is important.’

More than a decade on from her diagnosis, Judy claims she has fully reversed her Alzheimer’s and in a bid to raise awareness around her recovery, she is walking 3,000 miles across America. 

Her route started in San Diego, California, and she is set to end in Saint Augustine, Florida.

So far, she is just over the 1,000 mile mark and has made it to Sierra Blanca, Texas.

The octogenarian says she didn’t train specifically for the walk, but she is ‘certain that years of focusing on physical fitness and strength paid off’. 

‘I have been quite shocked that not once have I become sore or have had any aches or pains associated with walking 17-22 miles a day. 

‘In my first few days of walking, I developed a couple of blisters which were painful until they healed.’

Back home, her daily exercise regime comprises of 30 minutes of infrared sauna every morning, yoga and 10 minutes on a whole-body vibration platform. 

The octogenarian says she didn’t train specifically for the walk, but she is ‘certain that years of focusing on physical fitness and strength paid off’

She also bikes and goes to the gym regularly, and she has a walking platform under her stand-up desk at home.

On her walk, Benjamin friends, family and complete strangers have joined and supported her, all inspired by the undertaking. 

‘My hope is that by walking 3,000 miles across America at age 81, I will demonstrate to others that age is just a number, and one should not be held back because of age. 

‘I also want to let everyone know that memory loss can be reversed if caught in time and if one is willing to take the steps necessary to adopt a healthy lifestyle.’

Before starting out on yet another 10 hour day moving under the searing Texan sun, Benjamin adds, ‘One very important benefit of my walk so far has been the incredible people I have met along the way. 

‘Everyone seems to know someone impacted by Alzheimer’s.’ 

After starting her journey on April 5, Benjamin’s target is to make it to the finish line by Oct. 5.