Kentucky caregiver advocate says many dementia cases may be preventable, pushing brain-health habits

A new case of dementia is diagnosed every three seconds worldwide, according to Alzheimer’s Disease International, and a Kentucky health specialist says the trajectory is not inevitable. In a recent interview, Jenny Jacobs, who founded Defying Dementia in January 2024, described dementia as a condition that too often arrives before families have tried to protect brain health, pointing to prevention-focused habits as an actionable path for caregivers and patients.

Jacobs’ push is rooted in her own family experience. She said she served as the primary caregiver for her father, who died in May 2024 after living with dementia and Parkinson’s disease. After his death, Jacobs took time to “reset” and then turned her grief into a structured effort to help others recognize warning signs earlier and adopt routines intended to support cognition.

Defying Dementia provides concierge services across Kentucky for people living with dementia, their families and caregivers, Jacobs said. Through the program, Jacobs focuses on education and support intended to help families make practical changes, rather than waiting until symptoms become advanced or a crisis forces them to seek help.

Jacobs said she wants to “push and get the word out” that individuals can be proactive about brain health. While she did not describe a medical test or guarantee, she framed the goal as improving the odds of avoiding dementia by emphasizing daily habits tied to overall cardiovascular and metabolic health as well as cognitive engagement.

In the interview, Jacobs pointed to five habits she said may help protect the brain and improve the chances of avoiding dementia. They include following a Mediterranean-style approach sometimes referred to as the “mind” diet, with several servings of fish per week and an emphasis on leafy greens and vegetables, while limiting red meat. She also mentioned reducing alcohol and sugary processed foods.

Jacobs also emphasized regular exercise, describing walking and general movement as important and specifically highlighting activities that can engage spatial awareness and coordination, such as yoga and tai chi. She added that strength training is part of the routine, saying people should not neglect lower-body conditioning.

Beyond diet and movement, Jacobs described cognitive or “working memory” exercises that require a person to read, store information and complete a step, and she cited examples such as choreographed ballroom dancing and singing. She said these kinds of activities are designed to keep the brain actively working rather than relying only on passive routines.

The interview comes as public awareness campaigns continue to highlight dementia’s long-term burden on families and the healthcare system. Jacobs’ approach is aimed at shifting that burden earlier, with the stated goal of helping Kentuckians take steps that may reduce risk and improve support options for those already navigating diagnosis and caregiving.

In her comments, Jacobs tied her advocacy to awareness and preparedness, saying the only way to change outcomes is to make proactive planning normal for families. Defying Dementia, founded in 2024, is structured to serve as a statewide support resource as she continues outreach and education for people at risk and for those caring for someone with dementia.