From the Road: A Message of Progress

Welcome to our inaugural issue of Alzheimer’s Survivors News — our way of staying in touch and providing information you can use for better brain health!

As we move forward into 2026, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for being part of the Alzheimer’s Survivors Foundation community. Your encouragement and belief in a more hopeful narrative around Alzheimer’s is what continues to shape everything we do.

Our combined successes in reversing the symptoms of memory loss by following Dr. Dale Bredesen’s ReCODE Protocol—and our willingness to step forward—is at the core of who we are. But it’s not just about shouting the message. Our goal is to be a resource and guide for others—patients, caregivers, and supporters. We established this foundation to let the world know that WE EXIST!

By sharing our stories, we provide examples for others struggling with cognitive decline and bring hope to replace despair. We know from personal experience that a diagnosis need not be a death sentence, and our goal is also to be a resource and guide for others—patients, caregivers, and supporters.

From the Road to Research: A Message of Progress

Last year marked a major milestone—both personally for me and for our shared mission.

In November, I completed my walk across the United States, covering nearly 3,000 miles from San Diego, California to St. Augustine, Florida.

The purpose of the walk was never about endurance or athletic achievement alone. Even though it was special that I completed the walk at 81, it was to draw attention to an overlooked truth: Alzheimer’s disease has survivors.

Along the road, I met individuals living with cognitive change, caregivers navigating long and complex journeys, clinicians seeking better tools, and families desperate for a better way to cope with the illness. Their stories reaffirmed why survivorship must be central to how we talk about Alzheimer’s—not just about loss.

The walk succeeded because it opened conversations, connected communities, and reminded people that life, meaning, and purpose are more relevant than a diagnosis. And most importantly, the walk provided a means to tell people about the Bredesen Protocol and that survivors exist!

Exciting News from Clinical Research

This year also brought phenomenal scientific news: Dr. Dale Bredesen and the team of doctors who ran the clinical trial released the results, summarized in their report, Precision Medicine Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease: Successful Randomized Controlled Trial.

The results provide concrete evidence that a personalized, multi-factor approach to cognitive health can lead to meaningful improvements. The trial documented statistically and clinically significant improvements in memory, executive function, brain processing speed, and cognitive symptoms.

In addition, overall health was improved, blood pressures were reduced, excess weight was lost, and insulin resistance improved—all without the side effects of drugs, which can cause brain swelling, atrophy, and brain bleeds.

Importantly, this research reinforces messages we hold at ASF:

• Alzheimer’s is complex.
• One-size-fits-all solutions are unlikely to succeed.
• Addressing multiple contributors—metabolic, inflammatory, lifestyle, and environmental—matters.
• There are survivors, and they are rarely centered in public discourse.
• Progress is possible, and prevention and early intervention deserve serious attention.

Looking Ahead

This year brings renewed purpose. Our work continues to focus on:

• Elevating the voices of Alzheimer’s survivors
• Supporting caregivers and families with concrete information
• Sharing evidence-based information without hype or false promises
• Expanding public understanding of the Bredesen Protocol

In the months ahead, I will be preparing for my next awareness walk—this time across the UK—continuing our mission to change the global conversation around aging, cognition, and survivorship.

Seven Strategies for Brain Health

To begin that conversation, let me share with you the key points from a new report from Apollo Health, based on decades of research by Dr. Dale Bredesen. It outlines the Bredesen Seven—strategies that work best when used together:

1. Exercise. Regular physical activity increases blood flow to the brain and supports the growth of new brain connections. That could includemany types of daily movement—walking outdoors, strength training, ormind-body practices like yoga and tai chi. All of these help protect and improve cognition.
2. Nutrition. Learn the plant-rich, whole-foods approach known as KetoFLEX 12/3. This way of eating supports brain energy. It reduces inflammation. It improves insulin sensitivity. And it includes a daily fasting period to give the brain time to repair.
3. Sleep. Quality sleep is essential for memory and brain detoxification. The report stresses 7–8 hours of restorative sleep per night. It’s also important for addressing sleep problems, such as sleep apnea, which can quietly damage your cognitive health.
4. Brain Stimulation. The brain can grow and adapt at any age. To achieve that, stay socially connected. Learn new skills. Listen to music or dance. Plus, you can use structured brain-training programs. All of these help strengthen neural pathways in your mind.
5. Stress Management. Chronic stress can accelerate cognitive decline. But daily practices, such as meditation, prayer, breathing exercises, gentle movement, and better time management can help calm your nervous system and protect the brain.
6. Detoxification. Avoiding toxins that harm the brain is critical, and there are many: Mold in your home. Chemicals in foods. Pollutants in the air. Avoiding these is very possible. And there are natural detox steps that can also make a big difference.
7. Supplementation. There are specific vitamins, minerals and other supplements that can correct deficiencies affecting the brain. Then asyour overall health improves with lifestyle changes, you should be able to cut back the need for supplements over time.

No single step works alone. The best results are possible when you use all seven strategies together, adapting them to your personal likes and needs. This approach supports not only brain health, but also blood pressure, weight, sleep, and overall vitality–typically without the side effects associated with many medications.

For the full report, click here. And for more resources, including testing options and structured programs based on this research, be sure to visit Apollo Health at apollohealthco.com.

Along with my fellow survivors and founders of ASF, I want to offer my gratitude for walking alongside us–whether in person, in spirit, or through your ongoing support. Together, we are building a future where Alzheimer’s is met not with fear, but with knowledge, compassion, and hope.

With warm wishes for health and clarity in the year ahead,
Judy

Judy Benjamin, PhD
Founder and Managing Director
Alzheimer’s Survivors Foundation