Six years after her Alzheimer’s diagnosis, 90-year-old Zelik (Zel) Bocknek refuses to slow down – and she believes an active lifestyle is the key to staving off the symptoms.
Bocknek, a retired business owner in Toronto, Ontario, was 84 when he began experiencing minor memory problems, such as forgetting the day of the week and not knowing the answers to basic questions.
After being diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s, he was offered the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial studying an experimental dementia drug.
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Since the trial ended 18 months ago, Bocknek has continued to take the medication and still enjoys the activities he enjoys, including downhill skiing, painting and volunteering at a local zoo.
Six years after his Alzheimer’s diagnosis, 90-year-old Zelik (Zel) Bocknek (pictured right with his son) is still trying to enjoy skiing. (Zelik Bocknek)
“You have to stay active, physically and mentally,” Bocknek told Fox News Digital in an interview. “The important thing is to stay busy.”
“Last year was the first time in over 70 years that I didn’t ski because of the mild winter,” he said. “I’m keeping my fingers crossed that this year will be even better.”
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Bocknek also regularly works out in the gym to stay in prime skiing shape, he and his wife, Gail Bocknek, told Fox News Digital during an interview.
The exercises of choice are stretching classes and strength training with weights.
Painting has become another passion project. Since starting the paint-by-numbers project, Bocknek has honed her skills and now paints complex artwork for her six grandchildren to display in their bedrooms.
“Now I’m painting the 75th,” he said.
Zail Bocknek is pictured with his wife, Gail. “You have to stay active, physically and mentally,” Bocknek told Fox News Digital in an interview. “The important thing is to stay busy.” (Zelik Bocknek)
Volunteering is also part of her routine – Bocknek works as a greeter at the Toronto Zoo, where she welcomes and guides visitors, and also spends time at a local hospital.
They also played bridge with three different groups during the week.
Bockneck has not experienced additional cognitive decline, which is attributed to his busy schedule.
“I am the way I am today because I have been very active throughout my life, physically and mentally.”
“I am the way I am today because I have been very active throughout my life, physically and mentally,” he said.
“And it’s important to be able to laugh – a sense of humor gets you through a lot of tough times.”
Fight Alzheimer’s with exercise
Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, which keeps neurons healthy, according to Dr. Gail Saltz, professor of psychiatry at New York Presbyterian Hospital Weill-Cornell School of Medicine.
“It involves cognitive function, memory function and even centers related to mood,” Saltz, who has not yet treated Bocknek, told Fox News Digital.
“To be clear, this will not stop the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, but it can have cognitive effects.”
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Beyond cognition, exercise also helps improve patients’ physical health, including the cardiovascular system, flexibility and muscular system, Saltz said.
“Improving or preventing the decline of these body systems also helps Alzheimer’s patients by allowing them to continue participating in daily grooming, walking, going to appointments, being physically better and prolonging life,” he added.
Spending time outdoors in the sun also increases serotonin, which can be beneficial for Alzheimer’s patients, experts say. (Zelik Bocknek)
Physical activity can also help prevent nighttime wandering, a common hazard among Alzheimer’s patients due to circadian rhythm dysfunction, according to Sherri Snelling, a gerontologist and spokeswoman for Comfort Keepers in California.
“Keeping Alzheimer’s adults active during the day will help create more natural fatigue so they can sleep better at night,” Snelling, who also hasn’t treated Bocknek, told Fox News Digital.
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Spending time outdoors in the sun also increases serotonin, experts note, which can help reduce agitation or “sundowning” episodes, which are when patients experience outbursts, delusions and paranoia at dusk.
Any activity that increases heart rate can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s, experts agree.
“Any movement releases endorphins, which are ‘feel good’ hormones and natural pain relievers,” says Snelling.
“I’m taking it easy and getting on with my life as best I can, as long as I can.”
Snelling recommends some specific activities that are most beneficial for dementia patients.
“Walking is good – and doing it with help is important, because balance problems can cause loved ones to fall,” she said.
Yoga or tai chi is also recommended for older adults with Alzheimer’s.
Bocknek has developed his painting skills and now creates complex works of art for his six grandchildren to display in their bedrooms. One of his paintings is shown here. (Zelik Bocknek)
“Swimming or water aerobics is also good for older adults — the natural resistance of water is good for muscle strength, and the tactile feel of water is fun for AD adults,” Snelling said, adding that it’s important for a friend or caregiver to do it. to attend for safety.
Making music is also beneficial, he said, because musical memories are stored longest in Alzheimer’s brains.
Stay social
Socialization and interaction can also help slow the decline of dementia, according to Snelling.
“It has been reported that we can prevent cognitive decline and delay the onset of Alzheimer’s if we stay mentally active and frequently participate in social activities,” he told Fox News Digital.
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This is another reason that Snelling is an advocate of home care.
“When possible, it’s important for Alzheimer’s patients to stay at home, in a familiar environment,” he said.
Another of Bocknek’s paintings is illustrated here. “Now I’m painting 75,” he told Fox News Digital. (Zelik Bocknek)
Alzheimer’s cases in the US are predicted to increase from six million to 13 million by 2050.
For others who may experience cognitive symptoms, Bocknek says it’s important to take steps to get diagnosed as soon as possible.
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“If you think there’s a problem with your memory or your brain, get it tested,” he says.
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When asked if he was concerned about worsening symptoms, Bocknek said, “I’m not worried.”
“I’m taking it easy and getting on with my life as best I can, as long as I can.”
