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 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, in particular, an innovative product offering a monthly subscription box filled with fun and stimulating activities. The boxes are delivered directly to the homes of patients, making life easier for caregivers. Each box includes four different games, designed to engage the senses, provoke logical thinking, invite play with words, stimulate artistic expression and encourage light physical moves.
At Gleam in Your Eye, we are driven by the desire to foster and nurture a positive environment by entertaining and providing cognitive stimulation to people with a form of dementia such as Alzheimer’s.