Exercise helps 90-year-old Alzheimer’s patient keep symptoms at bay

Six years after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, 90 years old Zelik (Zel) Bocknek refuses to slow down — and he credits his active lifestyle as key to keeping symptoms at bay.

Bocknek, a retired business owner in Toronto, Ont., was 84 years old when he began experiencing minor memory lapses, such as forgetting the day of the week and not knowing the answers to basic questions.

After diagnosis of mild cognitive disorders due to Alzheimer’s diseasehe was offered the opportunity to join a clinical trial of an experimental dementia drug.

SLEEPY DURING THE DAY? IT COULD BE AN EARLY WARNING SIGN OF DEMENTIA, RESEARCH SUGGESTS

Since the trial ended 18 months ago, Boknek’s trial has continued taking medication and still enjoys her hobbies, including downhill skiing, painting, and volunteering at the local zoo.

“You must stay activeboth physically and mentally,” Boknek told Fox News Digital. “It’s important to stay busy.”

“Last year was the first time in over 70 years that I didn’t ski because the winter was so mild,” he said. “I’m keeping my fingers crossed that this year will be better.”

OZEMPIC MAY HELP REDUCE ALZHEIMER’S RISK FOR SOME, STUDY SUGGESTS: ‘SHIFT THE PARADIGM’

Boknek is also regular is working he and his wife Gail Boknek told Fox News Digital during an interview at the gym to stay in great ski shape.

He chooses stretching exercises and strength training with weights.

Painting became another passion. Starting with paint-by-number projects, Bocknek has honed his skills and now paints intricate works of art for his six grandchildren to display in their bedrooms.

“Now I am writing my 75th painting,” he said.

Volunteering is also part of his regular routine: Bocknek works as a greeter at the Toronto Zoo, where he greets and escorts visitors, and spends hours at a local hospital.

He also regularly plays bridge with three different groups during the week.

Bocknek did not experience additional cognitive decline, which he attributes to his busy schedule.

“I am who I am today because I have been very active throughout my life, physically and mentally.”

“I am who 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—having a sense of humor will get you through a lot of tough times.”

Fighting Alzheimer’s disease with exercise

Physical activity increases blood flow to the brainwhich keeps neurons healthy, according to Dr. Gale Saltz, associate professor of psychiatry at New York Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell School of Medicine.

“It involves cognitive functions, memory functions and even centers related to mood,” Saltz, who did not treat Bocknek, told Fox News Digital.

“To be clear, this will not stop the progression of Alzheimer’s, but it may slow its cognitive effects.”

RESEARCHERS SAY ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE CAN BE SLOWED BY RAISING A CERTAIN PROTEIN IN THE BRAIN

In addition to cognition, exercise also helps improve the physical health of patients, including themselves cardiovascular systemflexibility and muscular system, noted Salz.

“Improving or preventing the decline of these body systems also helps Alzheimer’s patients by allowing them to continue with daily care, walks, appointments, physical well-being and life extension“, she added.

Physical activity can also help prevent it night wanderingsAccording to Sherry Snelling, a gerontologist and spokeswoman for Comfort Keepers in California, this is a common hazard among Alzheimer’s patients because of dysfunction in their circadian rhythms.

“Keeping an adult with Alzheimer’s physically active during the day will help create more natural exhaustion so they can sleep better at night,” Snelling, who also did not treat Bockneck, told Fox News Digital.

NEW ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE RESEARCH INDICATES ‘SILENT’ PHASE OF DISEASE BEFORE SYMPTOMS APPEAR

Spending time in the fresh air sunlight also increases serotonin levels, the expert noted, which can help reduce agitation or “sunset” episodes, when patients experience outbursts, delusions and paranoia at dusk.

Experts agree that any activity that increases the heart rate can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

“Any movement releases endorphins, which are feel-good hormones and natural pain relievers,” Snelling said.

“I’m relaxed and living my life as much as I can for as long as I can.”

Snelling recommended several specific interventions that are most helpful for patients with dementia.

“Walking is great, and walking with help is important because balance issues can cause your loved one to fall,” she said.

Yoga or Tai Chi are also recommended elderly people with Alzheimer’s disease.

“Swimming or water aerobics are also great for seniors — the natural resistance of the water is great for muscle strength, and the tactile feel of the water is calming for adults,” Snelling said, adding that it’s important for a companion or caregiver. be present for safety.

Creating music it’s also helpful, she said, because musical memories last the longest in the brain of an Alzheimer’s patient.

Staying social

Socialization and interaction can also help slow the decline associated with dementia, Snelling said.

“It has been reported that we can prevent cognitive decline and delay the development of Alzheimer’s disease if we stay mentally active and participate in frequent social activities,” she told Fox News Digital.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS PROGRAM

It’s another reason Snelling is an advocate for home care.

“Although they can do that, it’s important for Alzheimer’s patients to stay at home in familiar surroundings,” she said.

By 2050, the number of Alzheimer’s cases in the United States is projected to increase from six million to 13 million.

For others who may be experiencing cognitive symptoms, Boknek says it’s important to take steps to get a diagnosis as soon as possible.

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

“As soon as you feel that you have problems with your memory or brain, go to pass the test“, he advised.

For more articles on health, see www.foxnews.com/health

When asked if he was concerned about his symptoms getting worse, Bocknek said, “I’m not concerned.”

“I’m relaxed and living my life as much as I can for as long as I can.”