Defying Dementia

06/05/2026

04/20/2026

That moment when the car turns into your personal concert? 🎶
It’s actually doing more for your brain than you think.

Music activates multiple parts of the brain at the same time — memory, movement, language, and emotion — which is why familiar songs can bring words back, spark connection, and boost confidence.

What looks like “just singing along” is often real brain engagement happening in real time.

Small moments like this are powerful tools for supporting brain health every day.

Try this today:
Turn the music up and sing along. It counts. 💛

04/16/2026

04/15/2026

Sometimes we don’t realize we’re turning everyday conversations into memory tests.

Questions like “Do you remember?” can create pressure instead of connection.

A simple shift makes a big difference:
Instead of asking for the memory… offer the context.

That small change helps reduce anxiety, protect confidence, and keep the relationship feeling safe and supportive.

Caregiving isn’t about testing memory.
It’s about supporting the person.

Daily Defiance Strategy: Don’t quiz—cue.

03/27/2026

You walk into a room…
…and immediately forget why you’re there 🙃
Cue the internal panic:
“Wait… is something wrong with me?”
Let me reassure you—this is actually really common.
And more importantly… it’s often fixable.
Your brain just needs an “anchor.”
Try saying what you’re about to do out loud before you move.
It sounds simple—but it works.
And if you’ve been noticing things like this more often… don’t ignore it out of fear. There’s a lot we can do to support your brain.

03/12/2026

Still smiling about last week’s Inno Startups to Watch event in Louisville.
What started with an ice storm (and a very questionable pitch video attempt 😅) almost turned into a week where I couldn’t make it at all after a sudden medical diagnosis in our family. Thankfully the stars aligned and I was able to be there.
Being recognized alongside other founders building innovative solutions across Kentucky was such an honor — and I’m especially grateful for the support and community at the WKU Innovation Campus, where Defying Dementia has been growing.
Defying Dementia is working to rethink how we identify and support cognitive health earlier, and it’s exciting to see healthcare innovation becoming part of the startup conversation.
Grateful for the recognition and even more excited for what’s ahead.

02/25/2026

A recent experience reminded me of something I see constantly in dementia care.
My loved one was hospitalized for low sodium from poor nutrition. She was discharged with PT and OT.
No speech therapy.
Meanwhile… the reason she isn’t eating is cognitive decline affecting:
• meal planning • remembering to eat • recognizing hunger • food preparation • routine
Cognition runs daily life. Including nutrition.
But speech therapy — the discipline that addresses cognition — is still the most overlooked service in dementia care.
So yes… strengthen the legs. But maybe also evaluate the brain that tells the legs what to do. 😉

02/06/2026

Caring for someone with dementia comes with challenges — and you shouldn’t have to face them alone.

Defying Dementia offers thoughtful, experience-based support for caregivers and families, with practical tools designed for real life.

Follow for guidance, support, and connection ❤️