Q Marie-Pier, can you share the story behind Chachacha Editions?
R Initially, I was searching for products for my mother. That’s where it all began. My mother felt lost; she disliked watching TV, could no longer read a novel a week as she used to, and was unable to complete crosswords. She spent her time just wandering around the house.
Although we could go for walks, I started looking for products for her, like crosswords and easier novels. However, I only found children’s materials, which are not suitable for individuals with Alzheimer’s.
I thought to myself: “With all the people dealing with Alzheimer’s in Quebec, why is there nothing available in the market?” I began researching the topic and reached out to experts at the Montreal Geriatrics Institute. They all indicated they had nothing but expressed a desire for someone to create something. […]
That’s when I launched my first activity books, titled Anti-Wrinkles for Neurons [published by Mme Vaudry’s first publishing house, Les Éditions Melba, which has since been sold to the Quebec group Eugéria].
Q At Chachacha publishing house, you’ve published two novels, Huguette Visits Expo 67 and Arthur and His Cars. How are they adapted for individuals with neurocognitive disorders?
A I collaborated with professionals. […] Together with speech therapists, we meticulously review each word in the novels to ensure there are no double meanings, for instance. If a sentence spans two lines, we identify where it can be split to maintain fluid reading.
We also space the sentences so that the reader can focus on one line at a time. The more information there is on a page, the more challenging it becomes to read for someone with Alzheimer’s. The same applies to the images we select. […]
Huguette visits Expo 67Nancy Mbatika, 32 pages. (Editions Chachacha)
It’s truly a unique creative process. We develop the story with author Nancy Mbatika, but afterward, I send the book to a group of speech therapists for revision. Then we distribute it to families, Alzheimer’s societies, and day centers for testing. […]
As a publisher, it’s crucial for me to offer high-quality products that are aesthetically pleasing. Just because someone has Alzheimer’s doesn’t mean they should have to read dull, black-and-white books with generic images. [sourced from image banks].
Q Are the subjects specifically selected to evoke memories in readers?
A Yes, we aim to find culturally significant topics that appeal to all genders. There tends to be more material for women and very little for men, which is why we created Arthur and His Cars. […] We are also developing a book titled Lucie and Her Flower Garden. In December, we plan to publish a love story set in a diner. Additionally, we have many more topics lined up for next year.
Q There are also questions at the end of the novel. Are they intended to facilitate connections between the reader and the caregiver? Were you able to test them with your mother?
A Unfortunately, my mother is now in the advanced stages of the disease, but I create these products for others.
Indeed, we aim to go beyond the reading activity. […] We want to encourage families to continue visiting their loved ones at home or in care facilities.
I often hear that people struggle to know what to say to their father or what to do with their mother, and that it’s uncomfortable to be asked the same question repeatedly.
Alongside the books, we provide them with tools to enhance their visits. […] There is also a QR code at the beginning of the book that offers tips on how to approach reading.
Arthur and his carsNancy Mbatika, 32 pages. (Editions Chachacha)
Q What stage of the disease do your books target?
A There are indeed four stages of Alzheimer’s disease: mild, when the diagnosis is initially made and changes are noticed; moderate, when assistance begins to be needed; advanced, when independence is lost; and end of life.
Our books are designed for the moderate to early advanced stages, when assistance with reading is beneficial. This was the stage at which I couldn’t find anything suitable for my mother.
Q Why do you believe it’s important to continue reading despite the illness?
R Because there are benefits for both the caregivers and those they assist!
Some caregivers are unaware that the person they are caring for can still read! Witnessing the joy they experience when they rediscover this capability and share quality time together truly moves me. […]
Individuals receiving assistance regain self-confidence. They take pride in realizing they can still read. This experience also positively impacts their well-being, reducing anxiety, depression, and more. […]
I am currently completing a master’s degree in gerontology, where we have focused extensively on the importance of social participation for seniors and those with Alzheimer’s. Reconnecting with their loved ones and maintaining social connections greatly improves their quality of life.
Q Has your commitment to assisting the elderly and those with cognitive disorders evolved into a passion or a mission?
A It truly is a mission. […] I aspire to make an impact in Quebec, enhancing activity programs in CHSLDs, getting involved in bettering the well-being of those with neurocognitive disorders, and supporting their families.
Q Do you have a specific dream?
A I have countless dreams! However, my ultimate goal is to continue collaborating with various researchers to ensure that the tangible tools we create reach the government. I aim for this to result in genuinely adapted activity programs.
I have witnessed progress over the last decade. The government is becoming increasingly aware of the importance of stimulation, physical activity, and social participation. Nevertheless, I hope we can push for even more. […] We don’t go to CHSLDs just to die; we go there because we need assistance.
To learn more about the books *Huguette Visits Expo 67* and *Arthur and His Cars*, you can visit the Chachacha Editions website.
For more information on Alzheimer’s disease, visit www.alzheimer.ca/federationquebecoise/fr.
***The questions and answers may have been edited for clarity and brevity.
Chachacha Editions: Enhancing the Lives of Those with Neurocognitive Disorders
Marie-Pier Vaudry, the founder of Chachacha Editions, embarked on a heartfelt journey to create enriching content for individuals with neurocognitive disorders. The inspiration stemmed from a personal story—her search for suitable products for her mother, who was grappling with Alzheimer’s disease.
The Beginning of Chachacha Editions
Marie-Pier’s quest began when her mother experienced difficulties with activities she used to enjoy, such as reading novels and completing crosswords. Recognizing a gap in the market for products specifically designed for individuals with Alzheimer’s in Quebec, she decided to take action.
After reaching out to researchers at the Montreal Geriatrics Institute, it became clear that there was a pressing need for innovative tools tailored to this demographic. Inspired and motivated, she launched her first activity books called “Anti-Wrinkles for Neurons,” which were produced by her previous publishing house, Les Éditions Melba.
Creating inclusive literature
Under the banner of Chachacha Editions, Marie-Pier has since published two important novels: Huguette Visits Expo 67 and Arthur and His Cars. These works are thoughtfully adapted to accommodate the unique needs of readers with neurocognitive disorders.
Collaboration with Professionals
Marie-Pier collaborates closely with field professionals, including speech therapists, to ensure that every word in the novels is carefully selected. Key considerations include:
- No double meanings to avoid confusion
- Fluidity in reading by managing page layout and line breaks
- Simplified sentences and clear illustrations to prevent cognitive overload
Chachacha Editions emphasizes the importance of choosing themes that resonate culturally and appeal to a diverse audience. Marie-Pier actively seeks subjects that spark interest across genders, with upcoming releases including Lucie and Her Flower Garden and a love story set in a diner.
Facilitating Connections Through Reading
In addition to the engaging narratives, each book incorporates questions at the end, designed to foster meaningful interactions between caregivers and their loved ones. Unfortunately, Marie-Pier is unable to share these experiences with her mother due to her advanced stage of Alzheimer’s, but she remains dedicated to facilitating similar connections for others.
Promoting Caregiver Support
Recognizing the challenges caregivers face, Chachacha offers valuable tools and resources to enhance their interactions with individuals suffering from cognitive decline. Resources include:
- Guidance on using the books effectively
- QR codes linking to additional tips for caregivers
The Chachacha Editions books are particularly aimed at individuals in the moderate to early advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease, where reading support becomes crucial. Understanding these developmental stages helps tailor literary content to meet the needs of different readers.
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Mild | Transition from learning diagnosis to noticing changes. |
| Moderate | Beginning to require assistance in daily activities. |
| Advanced | Significant loss of independence and need for constant care. |
| End of Life | Focus shifts to comfort and palliative care. |
The Value of Reading During Cognitive Decline
Marie-Pier resonates strongly with the belief that reading has profound benefits, both for caregivers and individuals with cognitive disorders. Engaging in reading activities can:
- Help readers regain confidence
- Reduce feelings of anxiety and depression
- Facilitate social participation and connection with loved ones
In her pursuit of knowledge, she is also completing a master’s program in gerontology, focusing on the significance of maintaining social networks among seniors.
A Mission to Improve Lives
For Marie-Pier, creating content for those living with Alzheimer’s is not just a business venture—it is a passionate mission. She aims to improve existing activity programs in long-term care facilities (CHSLDs) and enhance the overall experience for neurocognitive disorder patients and their families.
Future Aspirations
Her aspirations extend beyond publishing; Marie-Pier envisions collaboration with researchers to implement effective tools and resources within government structures, ultimately leading to better program options.
With growing recognition of the need for engagement among seniors, she believes the journey has just begun, advocating for enhanced activities and support systems for those who require assistance.
To discover more about Huguette Visits Expo 67 and Arthur and His Cars, you can visit the Chachacha Editions website.
For further insights into Alzheimer’s disease, please visit www.alzheimer.ca/federationquebecoise/fr.
***Questions and answers may have been edited for clarity and conciseness.
