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Alzheimer's Prevention: The FINGER Model for Healthy Aging
At CDS Boutique, we firmly believe that everyone deserves to age with dignity, autonomy, and enjoyment. With this in mind, we are proud to participate in education and awareness on complex topics such as Alzheimer's disease prevention. You may recall one of our January publications in which we presented the five preventive factors for Alzheimer's disease: physical activity, a balanced diet, strong social connections, cognitive stimulation, and cardiovascular health care. These essential pillars are actually based on a recognized scientific model: the FINGER model (Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability). This model was highlighted during the Alzheimer Society's conference Alzheimer's Disease: Demystifying the Early Phase, which we had the privilege of attending. Experts emphasized that good lifestyle habits, integrated into a global approach such as that proposed by the FINGER model, can significantly reduce the risks of cognitive decline. Every action counts, and together, these elements create a beneficial synergy for the brain. Engaging in regular physical activity Exercise is an essential driver for brain health. Activities such as brisk walking, dancing, or fitness training strengthen blood circulation, promoting better oxygenation of the brain. In addition, they stimulate the release of endorphins, thus improving overall well-being. Adopting a balanced diet such as the Mediterranean diet Diet plays a key role in prevention. The Mediterranean diet, rich in vegetables, fish, fruits, and healthy oils, provides the brain with the nutrients it needs to function optimally and slow down cellular aging. Maintaining strong social connections Staying connected with others is vital for preventing Alzheimer's. Regular interactions with friends, relatives, or through community activities can reduce the risks of isolation, which is an aggravating factor for cognitive disorders. Stimulating your brain Cognitive activities such as brain games, puzzles, or even learning a new skill help maintain brain plasticity. These exercises stimulate different areas of the brain, strengthening its resilience against aging. Taking care of your cardiovascular health A healthy heart contributes to a healthy brain. Monitoring your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar is essential to prevent vascular damage that can affect cognitive functions. We want to give everyone the tools to act. Our fun and technological solutions, such as interactive games or multisensory tools, encourage seniors to remain mentally, physically, and socially active. They directly contribute to the implementation of these recommendations by making prevention accessible and enjoyable. Can these changes be started at any age? Absolutely. Research shows that it's never too late to start. Even small changes, such as integrating a daily walk or adopting a more balanced diet, can have a significant impact, regardless of your age. How to integrate these pillars into an already busy daily life? Start small. Add vegetables to your meals, replace a sugary drink with water, or take advantage of a work break to move around a little. The important thing is to go at your own pace and make choices that easily fit into your lifestyle. Every action, no matter how small, can make a real difference for today and for tomorrow. Together, let's transform aging into an enriching experience!
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Featured CDS Boutique on CTV News!
We are proud to announce that our work has been highlighted in recent months by CTV News, in a report on the EDIE training offered at CDS Boutique. This immersive and innovative training uses virtual reality to shed light on Alzheimer's disease from the perspective of someone living with it. In the report produced by CTV, journalists explore how virtual reality can transform the way professionals and caregivers understand the challenges faced by people with Alzheimer's disease. This unique perspective allows them to concretely experience the frustrations and difficulties these patients face, and to develop a more empathetic and humane approach in their professional practice. Exceptional Training The EDIE training offered by CDS Boutique is designed to raise awareness among care and leisure professionals and caregivers about the realities of people living with Alzheimer's disease. Through interactive tools, such as virtual reality, and guided reflection sessions, we help participants adopt more humane and adapted approaches. Our goal is to create a lasting impact on the way care is delivered, focusing on understanding and empathy. Investing in EDIE training means giving your team the tools they need to transform their daily practice and improve the quality of life for seniors. Just like purchasing adapted equipment for your establishment, this immersive training represents a relevant and sustainable investment. It helps your professionals better understand residents' needs and adopt a more humane and adapted approach. Choose a concrete impact—choose EDIE training to make a difference in your environment. Book your spot for an EDIE training in 2025 now. Hurry! Spots are filling up fast! Learn more about EDIE
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Together, with multisensory solutions
In living environments, every action, every interaction, and every shared moment has the power to transform daily life. At CDS Boutique, we deeply believe that innovations only truly make sense when they create connections, awaken the senses, and give an active role back to each person, regardless of their level of autonomy. For over 33 years, we have been researching, discovering, and integrating solutions developed worldwide to support the well-being of seniors and enrich their life experience. These are concrete, accessible, and meaningful tools, designed for care facilities, but above all for the people who live there. Through this series, we invite you to discover why our innovations naturally find their place in your environments, and how they bring people together, soothe, stimulate, and empower individuals to act, together, around multisensory solutions. maestro Place, turn, create What if everyone could compose their own music, without any prior knowledge? Maestro is a sensory musical device, without a screen or waves, that transforms simple gestures into harmonious creations. By placing, turning, exploring, music takes shape naturally, allowing for free expression and emotion. Why Maestro in your facilities? In a facility, Maestro becomes much more than a musical tool. It revives memory and emotions, bringing forth sometimes buried memories through melodies and sounds. It awakens creativity and confidence, because here, there is no room for error: every gesture is a success. Moreover, Maestro strengthens bonds, inviting people to sing, move, and create together, fostering exchanges and breaking isolation. An innovation that transforms music into a universal language, accessible to all. Visit the Maestro page inmu Hold, move, feel Holding an inmu is to enter a soft and intuitive sensory experience. This multisensory cushion reacts to movement by generating soothing soundscapes and vibrations, thanks to integrated sensors. Why inmu in your facilities? inmu naturally encourages movement, whether discreet or expansive. Every gesture counts and contributes to maintaining mobility and quality of life. It is also a powerful tool for calming down, helping to reduce anxiety and create a serene atmosphere, both for residents and staff. Finally, the immediate feedback between gesture and sensation promotes self-awareness, strengthening body presence and being in the moment. A simple, enveloping, and profoundly reassuring object. Visit the inmu page Obie Mobile Pro Observe, touch, connect Obie Mobile Pro transforms any surface into an interactive playground. Mobile and easy to move, this interactive projector brings the benefits of play therapy directly to where residents are. Why Obie Mobile Pro in your facilities? The projected activities spontaneously capture attention and invite participation without complex instructions. Thanks to the no-fail options, every interaction becomes a success, which boosts self-esteem and encourages boldness. Obie Mobile Pro creates unique moments of connection, bringing residents together around a shared experience that fosters exchanges, laughter, and camaraderie. Play as a driver of participation, confidence, and social connection. Visit the Obie Mobile Pro page Hortense Plant, water, harvest What if gardening allowed us to cultivate much more than just plants? Hortense is a height-adjustable garden bed, designed for care environments, to make gardening accessible to everyone, standing, sitting, or in a wheelchair. Why Hortense in your facilities? Gardening with Hortense restores a sense of agency and accomplishment. Sowing, waiting, harvesting: each step nurtures confidence and pride. The garden also becomes a gathering place, fostering exchanges between residents, families, and caregivers. Finally, the smells, textures, and memories of old vegetable gardens awaken memory and the senses, supporting reminiscence and relaxation. An invitation to slow down, create together, and reconnect with living things. View the Hortense product Whether through music, movement, play, or nature, our innovations all have one thing in common: they place the human experience at the heart of everything. Together, they contribute to creating more vibrant, sensitive, and deeply connected living environments.
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How the Obie transforms daily life in Cowansville (Annie Arès’ testimonial)
Imagine a tool capable of capturing the attention of residents in prosthetic units (Alzheimer's) from the very first second. A tool that transforms an ordinary table into an interactive play surface, calming agitation without any medication.
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Music to contribute to the well-being of your seniors
Music is known to improve the quality of life of elderly people in institutions as it promotes social health, improves general mood, encourages physical health, and reduces the risk of developing anxiety or depressive disorders1. Indeed, when a person hears music, their brain releases a variable amount of dopamine, known as the well-being hormone2. As healthcare professionals, you have the power to improve the quality of life of the residents around you by offering them moments with musical notes. As soon as the instruments are in their hands, you will observe smiles, emotions, connections, movements, in short: multiple signs of well-being. inmu: an incredible tool for music therapy Did you know that CDS Boutique attended the Vancouver music therapy conference in 2023 to present inmu, a multi-sensory cushion from Denmark? It was an extremely enriching experience that allowed many people to discover the benefits of this unique therapeutic tool. Intuitive: simply lift inmu and move it for its notes and vibrations to follow the rhythm of its user's movements. Your residents can thus enjoy music therapy without having to learn how to produce beautiful melodies. A complete experience focused on well-being and self-awareness! Bibliography 1 González-Ojea, M. J., Domínguez-Lloria, S., & Pino-Juste, M. (2022). Can Music Therapy Improve the Quality of Life of Institutionalized Elderly People? Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland). https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10020310 2 McGill (2011). Musical Chills: Why They Give Us Thrills. https://www.mcgill.ca/newsroom/channels/news/musical-chills-why-they-give-us-thrills-170538
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Stakeholders at the heart of our seniors' well-being
Let's recognize today the exceptional contribution of recreation intervention technicians. Those who spend their time innovating with their ideas and helping our loved ones maintain their dignity. To the specialists whose smile is contagious and sincere.The past few years have shown us how important and essential recreation is in our lives. We have learned to slow down, but also to live with loneliness, often present among our seniors. This is where recreation intervention technicians come in, playing a role that goes far beyond simple entertainment. These creators of happiness are present as professionals to break isolation, but also to stimulate residents cognitively, psychologically, and physically. Behind every organized activity is a plan they have put in place so that our seniors maintain their autonomy, dignity, and joy of living for as long as possible. These creators of happiness are present as professionals to break isolation, but also to stimulate residents cognitively, psychologically, and physically. Recreation as Medication Alzheimer's disease affects each of us, directly or indirectly. It can be difficult to know what to do when we have a loved one living with this disease. Fortunately, we have dedicated people who are present to accompany them and brighten their days. It is proven that people with memory disorders will maintain their autonomy and identity longer through social activities. Recreation then plays a major role in our seniors' lives, and without these recreation professionals, this social participation would not be possible.We address you, the recreation intervention technicians. You, who have a real impact at CDS Boutique, because you add color to our products. Like us, your goal is to improve people's quality of life through recreation. We are fortunate to contribute to the well-being of residents through the activities you facilitate with our products. It is proven that people with memory disorders will maintain their autonomy and identity longer through social activities. Let's take advantage of the National Day for Recreation Intervention Technicians to remember their indispensable contribution to our seniors!Thank you for everything!
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A hug a day brings happiness to stay
Giving or receiving a hug for 20 seconds each day can improve health, engage procedural memory, and reduce stress1. When hugging, the production of two hormones increases: oxytocin, which is responsible for attachment, among other things, and dopamine, which helps strengthen cognition and connection to the present moment2. Dopamine also helps reduce cortisol, the hormone that fuels prolonged stress states3. In other words, a hug promotes a sense of attachment and environmental awareness, while reducing the chances of the body being chronically stressed. Combating stress and loneliness in seniors It is highly beneficial for seniors in residential care to frequently experience the benefits of a hug. Indeed, they often suffer from loneliness linked to their living environment and lack of family presence, as well as stress related to feeling like a burden or being unable to do things on their own4. While it is unrealistic to expect a family member or friend to embrace them daily, there are interesting alternatives that can have a great impact on their lifestyle: Offer them the opportunity to hold therapeutic dolls and watch procedural memory activate in your residents with cognitive decline! Provide them with heat therapy products to simulate the effect of a hug and human presence. BIBLIOGRAPHICAL SOURCES 1, 2, 3 Kunar, K (n.d.) How Do Hugs Make You Feel? https://www.medicinenet.com/how_do_hugs_make_you_feel/article.htm 4 Boudreault, A. & Ntetu, A. (2006). Affective touch and self-esteem in older people. Recherche en soins infirmiers, 86, 52-67. https://doi.org/10.3917/rsi.086.0052
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Celebrating Implicit Memory in People with Alzheimer's Disease
The brain area that houses implicit memory is generally the last to be affected by Alzheimer's disease, which means that patients are often able to read or sing until the most advanced form of the disease1. Long-term memory is divided into two types: explicit memory and implicit memory2. Explicit memory is composed of two types of sub-memories: semantic memory, which summarizes theoretical knowledge of life, and episodic memory, which groups concrete memories of lived experiences3, 4. Implicit memory is composed of three types of sub-memories: conditioned emotional memory, which summarizes emotional reflexes in response to certain events; priming memory, which allows finding the logical continuation of something started and known (music, drawing, slogan); and finally, procedural memory, which groups skills developed and eventually "acquired" through repeated performance (riding a bike, reading, walking) 3, 4. To engage the procedural memory of your seniors in residence, here are some very simple activity ideas to do with them. It is important that you offer them activities they are likely to have done during their lives. Great moments guaranteed! Recite basic and well-known prayers or religious songs; Provide books or newspapers; Have them complete known slogans or proverbs; Offer coloring workshops. Bibliography 1 Sluimer JD, van der Flier WM, Karas GB, van Schijndel R, Barnes J, Boyes RG, Cover KS, Olabarriaga SD, Fox NC, Scheltens P, Vrenken H, Barkhof F. (2009). Accelerating regional atrophy rates in the progression from normal aging to Alzheimer’s disease. doi: 10.1007/s00330-009-1512-5. 2 Squire LR (2004). Memory systems of the brain: A brief history and current perspective. Neurobiology of Learning and Memory. doi: 10.1016/j.nlm.2004.06.005. 3 Squire LR, Dede AJO (2015). Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology. doi: 10.1101/cshperspect.a021667. 4 France Alzheimer et maladie apparentées (2021). La mémoire à long terme et la mémoire à court terme.
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Motor Skills in Maintaining Autonomy in People with Alzheimer's Disease
Practicing functional skills through play can help a person with Alzheimer's disease maintain their autonomy in certain daily tasks for longer. Indeed, cognitive-motor practice (the pathway between mental processes and movement) can maintain and even improve several components of movement, such as its speed, fluidity, and precision1. Furthermore, targeted practice of certain movements also strengthens a person's physical structures, such as their joints and muscles. For seniors, working on pincer and power grips is very relevant, as it will allow them to retain their abilities in certain daily activities for longer. Pincer grip Exercising pincer grips (thumb opposition to other fingers) can help a person extend their period of autonomy for: Buttoning clothes; Operating a zipper; Writing or drawing with a pencil; Playing board games; Etc. Power grips Practicing power grips (opposition of the fingers and the palm of the hand) can allow the same person to continue to: Brush their teeth; Open a door; Eat with a utensil; Pick up an object; Etc. Scientific facts Many studies demonstrate a link between exercise and the maintenance/improvement of motor functions. In her publication on the National Library of Medicine, Laís Fajersztajn, physiotherapist and specialist in gerontological rehabilitation, states that "functional exercise makes it possible to work muscle groups at the same time and in an integrated manner, particularly for daily functional activity movements"2. According to Fajersztajn, motor improvement has a great impact on autonomy, but the reinforcement of self-confidence during movement also plays an important role in people with Alzheimer's disease. Even further: a study demonstrates the link between physical exercise and a lower risk of developing a type of dementia3. According to their observations over a period of more than six years, this prevention could be explained by a more frequent connection between cognitive and motor functions3. BIBLIOGRAPHICAL SOURCES 1Jin H. Yan & Malcolm B. Dick (2006) Practice Effects on Motor Control in Healthy Seniors and Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease, Aging, Neuropsychology, and Cognition, 13:3-4, 385-410, DOI: 10.1080/1382558909696092Fajersztajn L, Cordeiro RC, Andreoni S, Garcia JT. (2008) Effects of functional physical activity on the maintenance of motor function in Alzheimer’s disease. Dement Neuropsychology. 233-240. doi: 10.1590/S1980-57642009DN20300013. PMID: 29213577; PMCID: PMC5619472. 3Wang L, Larson EB, Bowen JD, VanBelle G. (2006) Performance-based physical function and future dementia in older people. Arch Intern Med. 166:1115–1120.
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March: Music Therapy Awareness Month
This Music Therapy Month, Marie-France Dozois, president of CDS Boutique, discusses the importance of music in the lives of seniors. Music therapy can be as simple as beating a drum, shaking maracas, or even ringing bells. Of course, the benefits of music therapy are numerous. Cognitive faculties will be stimulated, anxiety and nervousness will be soothed, and creativity will be valued. No need for musical knowledge; it all comes from the heart, and the possibilities are endless. Make room for improvisation and give seniors the opportunity to be the composers of their musical creations! To learn more, watch this video by clicking here. ...Surprises await you!
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Inspiration bingo
Many events have been held online in recent weeks. In Saint-Camille, a virtual bingo game is in the works. The activity, which is for all residents of the municipality, will take place on Tuesday afternoon. The idea made everyone smile, says Benoît Bourassa, who will be the host and caller of this virtual bingo game. It's a live Facebook event. For those who are less tech-savvy or don't have a computer, it will be by phone, says Bourassa, who is also the cultural coordinator of P'tit Bonheur de Saint-Camille. In recent days, the committee sent out a mailing explaining how it works to its residents. Mr. Bourassa believes that this approach was necessary because the activity, open to everyone, is primarily aimed at an older clientele who are less present on social networks. […] The village of Saint-Camille PHOTO: RADIO-CANADA View article
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Cognitive Stimulation: Explanations and Exercises
Over time, the cognitive system (memory, reasoning, orientation, etc.) deteriorates and reduces the autonomy of affected individuals. With old age comes a lack of activity that particularly affects the memory and other cognitive functions of older adults.This is particularly felt by retirees aged 70 and 80, who experience difficulties with adaptation, memorization, and a decrease in responsiveness, speed of thought, and stress resistance.Today, approximately 70% of people over 70 in Ile de France are affected by memory loss. To prevent the increase of physical, psychological, or social loss of autonomy, older adults can be intellectually stimulated with exercises, games, or simple activities that help them exercise their brains and improve their autonomy, regardless of their age."Maintaining cognitive reserve should be initiated as early as possible, but it is never too late to start, and one should never stop," emphasizes Professor Jacques Hugon, neurologist.Cognitive Stimulation for Seniors: Advice and ObjectivesThe main objective of cognitive stimulation for seniors is to improve or slow down the decline of memory, whether visual, spatial, or auditory.Intellectual stimulation also has an effect on the social ties and psychology of stimulated individuals. Thus, cognitive progress is accompanied by an improvement in the quality of life of the older adult being helped: they maintain or improve their self-esteem in the face of their successes, and learn to react to other probable future memory problems.Tips for Successful Cognitive StimulationIt is important to adapt cognitive stimulation activities and exercises to the older adult's intellectual capacity. Activities that are too simple can bore them and be ineffective. Conversely, exercises that are too complicated or too numerous can create a feeling of overwhelm and discouragement. Focus on the positive and the successes of the older adult and do not highlight their failures to avoid alienating them.Stimulating older adults should not lead to infantilization. You can also encourage them to participate in daily tasks such as meal preparation, for example, if the older person is usually assisted by a home helper.If you notice significant memory loss in your loved one, do not hesitate to consult doctors who will guide you towards the most effective and personalized method.Source: OuiHelp.fr
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For a Healthy Brain: 6 Ways to Preserve Your Cognitive Health
Regardless of our age, our brain has the capacity to create new neurons, particularly in the hippocampus, the area responsible for our memories and emotions. While a favorable and adapted environment allows this capacity to persist over time, being constantly exposed to excessive stress or evolving in unfavorable conditions can contribute to diminishing or even destroying this capacity.Professor Pierre-Marie Lledo, director of the neuroscience department at the Institut Pasteur, revealed in the magazine Sciences et avenir 6 tips for preserving cognitive health, which we will summarize as follows:1. Bring change and novelty into your daily life to nourish your brain and maintain its natural thirst for learning. It is new experiences that stimulate the brain to renew its neurons!2. Ensure that you feed your brain with information that allows us to understand how the world works, and not just passively be informed of what is happening. An overload of information can also generate anxiety, which is obviously to be avoided.3. Try to manage your stress as naturally as possible, without relying long-term on the use of anxiolytics and sleeping pills. These essentially serve to put the brain "in neutral," which does not allow it to create new neurons during this period.4. Remain as active as possible, in any way. Because exercising is not only good for the brain, but for the entire body and for morale, too!5. Be sure to maintain your relationships with others and make sure to socialize enough. This is important because certain parts of our brain only activate when we are in contact with others!6. Diversify your diet and protect your intestinal flora, which is in close "communication" with the brain. By choosing good foods, we give our brain the necessary energy to create new neurons!Ultimately, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, overall, is the best strategy to maintain a healthy brain!
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