Zelick Bocknek, a retired business owner from Toronto, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s six years ago after he began experiencing small memory lapses, such as struggling to answer simple questions. Many expected he would have to give up most of the activities he loved, including downhill skiing.

Yet, the disease has failed to slow down the now 90-year-old. He was offered a chance to participate in a trial for a new dementia treatment called lecanemab, which gained approval in July 2023. Eighteen months have passed since the trial ended, and Zelick is still on the medication, which is clearly working.

He can still take part in all of the things that he loves, which includes downhill skiing, without much issue. According to him, being fit could help him protect himself from the disease. “You have to keep yourself active, both physically and mentally,” Zelick told Fox News Digital. “It’s important to stay busy.”

However, last year wasn’t the best skiing year for him because of a lesser amount of snowfall. “Last year was the first time in over 70 years that I didn’t ski because it was such a mild winter,” he said. “I’m keeping my fingers crossed that this year will be better.” To help himself stay in shape for skiing, Zelick Bocknek regularly goes to the gym and tries to keep his body as lean as possible. He mainly concentrates on weight and strength training.

Other than that, painting has become an important part of his life, and he has created numerous pieces, gifting most of them to his grandchildren. However, his main focus now is his fitness, which he strives to improve through regular gym sessions and skiing. He hopes these activities will help keep the symptoms of the disease at bay.

How skiing and physical activity could slow down effects of Alzheimer’s

Regular exercise may help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s in patients, as increased physical activity improves blood flow to the brain. Dr. Gail Santz, a professor at New York Presbyterian Hospital Weill-Cornell School of Medicine, notes that exercise can enhance cognitive and memory functions.

While exercise won’t stop Alzheimer’s from progressing in the brain, it can reduce the symptoms caused by the disease. Physical activity can also improve sleep quality, which is beneficial since many Alzheimer’s patients suffer from insomnia—a common side effect of the condition.

“Keeping an Alzheimer’s adult physically active during the day will help to create more natural exhaustion so they can achieve better sleep during the night,” said Dr. Gail Santz, talking to Fox News digital. Thus, Zelick Bocknek must continue skiing and his daily exercises to keep his disease away for now and enjoy his life to the fullest without worrying about his memory. Hopefully, he is able to do so, as his love for skiing is heartwarming to witness.

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