Everything started in 2012 when Marie-Pier’s mother, France, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at 59 years old. France used to spend hours doing crossword puzzles and reading books, but as her illness progressed, her family faced the all-to-common challenge of finding stimulating activities adapted to her changing cognitive abilities. As a result, Marie-Pier Vaudry took matters into her own hands and spent the next few years working with experts in neurology, neuropsychology, geriatrics, speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, audiology & optometry to acquire a strong knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease and of patients’ needs. In 2015, she created Spark your mind, a book of activities adapted for patients at a moderate stage of the disease.
In 2021, Marie-Pier set out to create a more comprehensive experience that includes logical activities, while also addressing the sensory and physical needs of patients. Surrounded by a passionate team, she founded Gleam in Your Eye and developed an innovative product offering a monthly subscription filled with fun and stimulating activities. The boxes are delivered directly to the homes of patients, making life easier for caregivers. Each box includes five different games, designed to engage the senses, provoke logical thinking, invite play with words, stimulate artistic expression and encourage light physical moves.
Gleam in Your Eye is a monthly subscription box of games adapted for people with moderate dementia. Like everyone, these persons deserve a positive environment and interactions in their day-to-day lives. That’s why all the games have been designed to keep them entertained and stimulated. Gleam in Your Eye can benefit people with moderate-stage dementia as well as their loved ones. The games can be played alone, so they’re a great way to give some respite to the caregiver. They can also be played with another person to share good moments. Gleam in Your Eye boxes also make a terrific gift: they provide fun ways to pass the time when visiting a loved one with dementia.
What comes in each Gleam in Your Eye box?
The box includes five activities focusing on sensory stimulation, logical thinking, language, art and movement. All games have been designed with the input of health professionals to ensure the difficulty levels are appropriate for people with moderate‑stage dementia. Each box provides all the materials and instructions in a clear and concise format. Each game can be played alone or with another person, and different levels of difficulty are proposed to ensure success and self-confidence. How much do Gleam in Your Eye boxes cost? With a monthly subscription, each box costs $45. If you choose a three-month plan, each box will cost $43, and with the six-month plan, the cost of each box will be $40. Company founded? 2021
What drives your passion?
“Today, my passion has turned into a mission dedicating my life to help others touched by dementia and Alzheimer’s. I want to make sure families have resources, such as our Gleam boxes, to help them enjoy fun quality time together.”
What are key challenges you are tackling?
“The biggest challenge is dementia and Alzheimer’s is a tough subject and people do not often want to face this happening to their loved ones. That automatically is a barrier. Once they experience and see Gleam in Your Eye, they quickly realize it is a valuable resource and it will help the caregiver and loved one touched by the disease.
What are three lessons Marie would like all young women to learn and apply?
1. Follow your passion and have fun 2. Failure is not an option 3. Always believe in yourself and never lose focus of your mission.
Why did your journey choose you?
“To help my mom and others impacted by dementia and Alzheimer’s. Though by the time the Gleam boxes were developed, and we launched, my mom was beyond the stage of the disease to be able to use them. My mom is still with us today and lives in a care facility in Montréal. Today, my passion has turned into a mission in my life to help others touched by this disease.”
