Lymington Care Home Welcomes Walker With A Difference
A care home in Lymington received a special visitor in the form of an Alzheimer’s survivor walking across the United Kingdom to raise awareness.
Dr Judy Benjamin, from Virginia, USA, was welcomed by residents, families and staff at Colten Care’s dementia care home Linden House in New Street.
Now in her 80s, she is undertaking a 550-mile trek from Land’s End to London, raising awareness of Alzheimer’s and opening up conversations around brain health, prevention, early intervention and lifestyle.
She was treated to some well-deserved tea and cake in the Malt Room and a chance to recharge her batteries literally and figuratively before continuing on her journey.
Judy spoke with residents, relatives and staff about her journey and what changes she had made to her life to help address the progression of Alzheimer’s.
The octogenarian is aiming to become the first Alzheimer’s survivor to walk the width of England.
The former medical anthropologist was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at the age of 67, having previously watched her mother live with the disease for 20 years and succumb to it.
Throughout the walk, Judy and her supporters are sharing updates, interviews, and educational content focused on brain health, healthy aging, and Alzheimer’s prevention.
The journey is also supporting the mission of the Alzheimer’s Survivors Foundation, which she founded to advocate for individuals living with cognitive decline and amplify stories of recovery, resilience, and hope.
Judy’s vision and energy have attracted prominent cognitive brain health and wellbeing brands such as Apollo Health, Vielight, Wigwam Wellness, UCAN, Xero Shoes, and CareScout.
Judy said: “It meant a great deal to spend time with the residents, families and staff at Linden House.
“When you’ve lived with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis yourself, conversations like these are very personal. I wanted to share what I’ve learned from my own experience and, most of all, let people know that there are things we can do to support our brain health.
“I’m grateful to everyone at Linden House for welcoming me so warmly and for being willing to have that conversation.”
Linden House Home Manager Priya Joseph said: “We were delighted to meet Judy and find out about her remarkable story and continuing adventures as she raises awareness of Alzheimer’s.
“It was a powerful and moving talk, hearing what she has been doing the last few years to help raise awareness and push herself.
“We salute both her steadfastness in undertaking this marathon walk and he commitment to the cause of keeping the incredibly important issue of brain health firmly in the public eye.”
Resident Pamela Bradley said: “It was lovely to have Judy come and talk and I wish her luck with the rest of her walking.”
Lisa, daughter of resident Jane Lavis, said: “It was great to hear from someone who is going through Alzheimer’s and to see what changes she had made and how she is doing 15 years after her diagnosis.”
Colten Companionship Team Leader Laura Sheldrake added: “To have Dr Judy come and talk to residents, relatives and staff was very touching, hearing her story was very powerful. I can’t believe how much she has walked not only at her age but with Alzheimer’s too.”
Following her diagnosis, Judy made significant changes to her diet and lifestyle, reversed her cognitive decline, and went on to become an advocate for greater awareness around cognitive health.
She met specialist Dr. Dale Bredesen in 200X and became “patient zero” for his revolutionary and clinically proven protocol (ReCODE) to treat and prevent cognitive decline. Today, Judy is living, lively proof that cognitive decline is no longer a death sentence.
Judy is undertaking this latest challenge – she previously walked the 2,790-mile width of the USA – to share her own experience and, importantly, a message of hope with others affected by cognitive decline.
