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The Dementia Support Dov & Zipora Burstein Senior Centre is using the “Montessori Method for Dementia,” program, a novel approach to combat dementia that has been rolling out in day centres and nursing homes across the country

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Therese Holtzman making cookies at the Dementia Support Dov & Zipora Burstein Senior Centre. The centre is using the “Montessori Method for Dementia,” program, a novel approach to combat dementia that has been rolling out in day centres and nursing homes across the country over the past few years.Fred Lum/The Globe and Mail

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Miriam Greenberg, seated left, and Therese Holtzman, seated right, are participants at the Dementia Support Dov & Zipora Burstein Senior Centre in Toronto.Fred Lum/The Globe and Mail

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Social worker Rachel Hindel (Black sleeves) holds Nancy Brooks' arm during a break after morning activities at the Dementia Support Dov & Zipora Burstein Senior Centre in Toronto.Fred Lum/The Globe and Mail

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Miriam Greenberg forms a ball with cookie dough while helping to make cookies.Fred Lum/The Globe and Mail

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Deborah Rothenberg explains the use of photos and small bottles of spices that are used to help participants with their memory and cognitive abilities as part of an activity at the Dementia Support Dov & Zipora Burstein Senior Centre in Toronto.Fred Lum/The Globe and Mail

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Mereav Gilboa, (Left) Programming Specialist at the Dementia Support Dov & Zipora Burstein Senior Centre, facilitating a reading program. The facility which follows the Montessori Methods for Dementia, helps people with various levels of dementia, from high functioning to low functioning dementia.Fred Lum/The Globe and Mail

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Deborah Rothenberg, Director of Operations and Marketing with the Dementia Support Dov & Zipora Burstein Senior Centre is photographed holding a small life like doll. Doll therapy is used for individuals with advanced or severe stages of dementia and is very effective in offering sensory stimulation. While not meant for everyone, the facility is careful who is allowed in the room and that there is a benefit to the participant.Fred Lum/The Globe and Mail

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Nancy Brooks measures out flour while making cookies at the Dementia Support Dov & Zipora Burstein Senior Centre in Toronto.Fred Lum/The Globe and Mail

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Miriam Greenberg (Left) and Therese Holtzman (Right) use rolling pins to flatten out cookie dough while making cookies at theDementia Support Dov & Zipora Burstein Senior Centre in Toronto.Fred Lum/The Globe and Mail

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Various locks and chains help are part of an activity to help with the dexterity of participants at the Dementia Support Dov & Zipora Burstein Senior Centre in Toronto.Fred Lum/The Globe and Mail

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The date, displayed in very large easy to read letters and the day's program (Left) features recognizable photos (food, activities etc.) beside the timetable at the Dementia Support Dov & Zipora Burstein Senior Centre in Toronto.Fred Lum/The Globe and Mail

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An emergency exit door has been painted to resemble a bookshelf to help prevent people with dementia from wandering away from the centre.Fred Lum/The Globe and Mail

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