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Alzheimer’s patient, 90, says skiing and other activities keep him mentally sharp

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Alzheimer’s patient, 90, says skiing and other activities keep him mentally sharp

Six years after his Alzheimer’s diagnosis, 90-year-old Zelik (Zel) Bocknek refuses to slow down — and he believes his active lifestyle is key to keeping his symptoms at bay.

Bocknek, a retired business owner in Toronto, Ontario, was 84 when he began experiencing minor memory slips, 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 join a clinical trial studying an experimental dementia drug, lecanemab (LEQEMBI), which was approved in July 2023.

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

Since the trial ended 18 months ago, Bocknek has continued taking the medication and still enjoys his favorite activities, including downhill skiing, painting and volunteering at the local zoo.

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Six years after his Alzheimer’s diagnosis, 90-year-old Zelik (Zel) Bocknek (pictured at right with his son) still pursues his love of skiing. (Zelik Bocknek)

“You have to keep yourself active, both physically and mentally,” Bocknek told Fox News Digital in an interview. “It’s important to stay busy.”

“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.”

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

Bocknek also regularly works out at the gym to stay in prime skiing shape, he and his wife, Gail Bocknek, told Fox News Digital during an interview.

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His exercises of choice are stretch classes and strength training with weights.

Painting has become another passion project. Since starting with paint-by-numbers projects, Bocknek has cultivated his skills and now paints complex works of art for his six grandchildren to display in their bedrooms.

“I’m now on my 75th painting,” he said.

Zelik and Gail Bocknek

Zail Bocknek is pictured with his wife, Gail. “You have to keep yourself active, both physically and mentally,” Bocknek told Fox News Digital in an interview. “It’s important to stay busy.” (Zelik Bocknek)

Volunteering is also part of his regular routine — Bocknek works as a greeter at the Toronto Zoo, where he welcomes and guides visitors, and also puts in hours at a local hospital.

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

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Bockneck has not experienced any additional cognitive decline, which he attributes to his busy schedule.

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

“I am what 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 difficult times.” 

Fighting Alzheimer’s with exercise

Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, which preserves the health of neurons, according to Dr. Gail Saltz, associate professor of psychiatry at the New York Presbyterian Hospital Weill-Cornell School of Medicine.

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“This includes cognitive functions, memory functions and even centers related to mood,” Saltz, who has not treated Bocknek, told Fox News Digital.

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

ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE COULD BE SLOWED BY BOOSTING A CERTAIN PROTEIN IN THE BRAIN, RESEARCHERS SAY

Beyond cognition, exercise also helps to improve patients’ physical health, including their cardiovascular system, flexibility and muscular systems, Saltz noted.

“Improving or preventing the decline of these body systems also helps the Alzheimer’s patient by allowing them to be continued participants in daily grooming, walking, going to appointments, physically feeling better and extending life,” she added.

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Zelik Bocknek

Spending time outdoors in the sunshine also increases serotonin, which can be beneficial for Alzheimer’s patients, an expert noted. (Zelik Bocknek)

Physical activity can also help to prevent nighttime wandering, a common danger among Alzheimer’s patients due to dysfunction in their circadian rhythms, according to Sherri Snelling, a gerontologist and spokesperson for Comfort Keepers in California.

“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,” Snelling, who also has not treated Bocknek, told Fox News Digital.

NEW ALZHEIMER’S RESEARCH REVEALS ‘QUIET’ PHASE OF THE DISEASE, BEFORE SYMPTOMS APPEAR

Spending time outdoors in the sunshine also increases serotonin, the expert noted, which can help to decrease agitation or episodes of “sundowning,” which is when patients have outbursts, delusions and paranoia during dusk.

Any activity that increases heart rate can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s, the experts agreed.

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

“I’m relaxed and going on with my life as best I can, for as long as I can.”

Snelling recommended several specific activities that are most beneficial for dementia patients.

“Walking is great – and doing it with help is important, because balance issues may cause a loved one to fall,” she said.

Yoga or tai chi are also recommended for older adults with Alzheimer’s.

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Painting

Bocknek has cultivated his painting skills and now creates complex works of art for his six grandchildren to display in their bedrooms. One of his paintings is displayed here. (Zelik Bocknek)

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

Making music is also helpful, she said, as musical memory is retained the longest in an Alzheimer’s brain.

Staying social

Socialization and interaction can also help to slow dementia-related decline, according to Snelling. 

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

      

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This is another reason that Snelling is a proponent of in-home care. 

“While they are able to do so, it’s important for Alzheimer’s patients to remain at home, in familiar surroundings,” she said. 

Zelik Bocknek painting

Another of Bocknek’s paintings is pictured here. “I’m now on my 75th painting,” he told Fox News Digital. (Zelik Bocknek)

Alzheimer’s cases in the U.S. are projected to rise from six million to 13 million by 2050.

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

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“As soon as you feel there’s any sort of problem with your memory or your brain, go to get tested,” he advised.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

When asked about whether he’s concerned about worsening symptoms, Bocknek said, “I’m not worried about it.”

“I’m relaxed and going on with my life as best I can, for as long as I can.”

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Health

Do women need more sleep than men? Here’s what experts think

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Do women need more sleep than men? Here’s what experts think

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Sleep is important for everyone – but do women require more than men?

This has been an ongoing discussion among researchers and medical experts, as they weigh the various biological factors that come into play.

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Sleep expert Dr. Wendy Troxel, RAND Corporation senior behavioral specialist and a licensed clinical psychologist in Utah, said the idea that women need significantly more sleep than men is “often overstated.”

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

Research has shown that the difference between men and women is “rather minimal,” as women only need about 11 to 13 more minutes of sleep, Troxel told Fox News Digital.

In addition to insomnia, women are more likely to experience other sleep disorders, like restless leg syndrome, which can compromise sleep quality. (iStock)

“This exaggeration can pressure women to focus on hitting a specific number of sleep hours, potentially at the expense of sleep quality,” she said.

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“This is problematic, as women are already at twice the risk of having insomnia compared to men.”

Sleep medicine physician Dr. William Lu, medical director at Dreem Health in San Francisco, said women do tend to sleep more than men — about 10 to 20 more minutes per night, studies show.

‘HOW MUCH SLEEP IS TOO MUCH?’: ASK A DOCTOR

“However, we don’t know for certain if it is because women need more sleep or because men don’t sleep enough,” he told Fox News Digital.

“If the reason is that women need more sleep, hormones are very likely to play an important factor.” 

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‘Ultimate self-care’

Troxel said she considers sleep to be the “ultimate self-care for women, yet it’s often the first thing sacrificed amid life’s many demands.”

As women face about twice the risk of depression as men, it is especially important for them to maintain healthy sleep schedules to support their mental health and well-being, she noted.

A uncomfortable pregnant mother trying to rest at home, lying on her couch holding her head.

It may be difficult for pregnant women to find a comfortable sleeping position, which can impact sleep quality, an expert said. (iStock)

“More broadly, quality sleep can support brain health, relationship health and overall physical health, including reducing the risk of heart disease,” the expert said.

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Proper sleep can also help women better manage stress, maintain a healthy weight and boost immune strength.

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How much sleep is enough?

Sleep duration is “very dependent on the individual,” according to Lu.

“Get enough sleep that you feel rested and refreshed,” he advised. “Too many people focus on the specific amount of sleep needed and not about how they feel after waking up.”

“As a general rule of thumb, women can aim to get around 7.5 hours of sleep per night.”

Woman sleeping in

Studies show that women tend to sleep up to 20 minutes more than men per day. (iStock)

Dr. Navya Mysore, medical director for the online health care platform Nurx, suggested that both men and women need about seven to nine hours of sleep per night.

“Too many people focus on the specific amount of sleep needed and not about how they feel after waking up.”

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“It’s hard to pinpoint exactly how much more sleep a woman may need compared to men, as there are so many factors that can influence the quality of sleep — like stress levels, sleep hygiene habits, exercise, diet and alcohol,” New York-based Mysore told Fox News Digital.

“If you have a better quality of sleep, you may need closer to seven hours per night versus a person with a poorer quality of sleep, who needs closer to nine hours,” she added.

TO IMPROVE YOUR SLEEP, DO THIS ACTIVITY BEFORE BED, EXPERTS SUGGEST

Troxel agreed that instead of just focusing on sleep duration, men and women should be encouraged to “optimize all aspects of sleep health.”

This includes duration, quality and consistent sleep-wake patterns throughout the week, she said.

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Sleep challenges affecting women

Women face more frequent hormonal changes, which Troxel said can lead to fragmented sleep and a higher risk of insomnia, especially during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause.

“Around 60% of women experience sleep disturbances during the menopausal transition, yet these symptoms often go untreated, which can have a significant negative impact on quality of life,” she said. 

Lu added that in the weeks leading up to a woman’s period, she may feel increasingly tired and require more sleep.

woman sits in bed with coffee early in the morning

A person with better sleep quality will require fewer hours of sleep per night, an expert noted. (iStock)

In the second half of the menstrual cycle (or the luteal phase), progesterone levels rise, which can make women feel sleepier and may lead to poorer quality of sleep, according to Mysore.

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Pregnancy can also cause sleep difficulties.

“Many [pregnant] women have a hard time falling or staying asleep, which can lead to them feeling more tired during the day,” Lu said. 

Woman suffering from hot flash in bed

“Effective non-drug treatments for insomnia are available, and it’s crucial to ensure these options are accessible to all women,” a sleep expert said. (iStock)

“There are also increased risks of obstructive sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome during pregnancy, which can factor into sleep quality.”

Symptoms of menopause, like hot flashes, can also cause sleep disruptions.

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“Around 60% of women experience sleep disturbances during the menopausal transition, yet these symptoms often go untreated.”

Both experts added that women fulfilling traditional caregiving roles and societal expectations while working can also contribute to sleep disruptions and added stress.

Those experiencing consistent sleep challenges should see a medical provider for recommendations.

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Baby's adorable reaction to his new glasses attracts worldwide attention: 'Melts hearts'

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Baby's adorable reaction to his new glasses attracts worldwide attention: 'Melts hearts'

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Video shared on social media of a baby reacting to his new glasses has sparked worldwide attention and received more than 100 million views on TikTok and Instagram.  

The baby’s mom, Stephanie Mazzone-Meyer, posted the video of 1-year-old Liam Frederick trying on his new glasses — and it was clear he liked what he was seeing. (See the video at the top of this article.)

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Mazzone-Meyer spoke exclusively to Fox News Digital about the experience. 

BOY FACING BLINDNESS GETS LIFE-CHANGING EYE SURGERY: ‘SUCH A BLESSING

She said she and her husband were on a road trip from their home in New York to Wisconsin at the time the video started getting picked up.  

“It slowly started gaining traction on my personal Instagram, so on that trip we decided to upload the video to TikTok,” she said. 

Baby Liam is shown wearing his glasses and being silly with his mom, Stephanie Mazzone-Meyer. (Stephanie Mazzone-Meyer)

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“I fell asleep during that 16-hour car ride and woke up to hundreds of thousands of views and just hours later we broke 1 million and eventually 75 million,” she said. 

So far, the video has been shared by newscasts in a number of countries, including in Italy, Chile, Spain and the Netherlands.  

“This is the best video I have ever seen.”

Mazzone-Meyer said the comments she’s received have been heartwarming, with some people commenting, “This is the best video I have ever seen.”

Another person commented, “I was having a terrible week, and then I saw the video of your son and it turned my whole day around” — while another said, “I am ugly crying at work!”

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TIPS FOR PARENTS TO REDUCE ULTRA-PROCESSED FOODS IN KIDS’ DIETS

Said the mom, “My video has also helped other parents focus on the eye health of their babies and prioritize an optometrist appointment if they notice something may be off visually or if they notice a cross-eye.”

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She added, “My hope is that Liam can bring joy to others — that same joy that he brings to us every day. He’s been through so much during his short time earth-side and he still manages to give a big smile when you look at him.”

Baby Liam sits next to a doll on an armchair.

Wearing his new glasses, Baby Liam is shown sitting on a chair with a doll as he spends some time with family in Wisconsin. (Stephanie Mazzone-Meyer)

She also said, “He radiates goodness. I think the comments we receive daily confirm this.”

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“He’s a completely different baby.”

Mazzone-Meyer said that since Liam had abnormal scans in utero and was born early, his pediatrician and care team recommended a slew of tests following his three-week NICU stay; one of those was an optometrist appointment. 

At the first appointment, the baby’s eyes appeared slightly farsighted, which was no cause for concern. 

RFK JR. SAYS KIDS ‘SWIMMING’ IN ‘POISONOUS’ FOODS AS DR. MARK SIEGEL CALLS OUT ‘SICK CARE SYSTEM’

His physician decided on a follow-up appointment months later — and at that time, it was determined that he needed glasses right away.

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Mazzone-Meyer said Liam has always been a smiley baby.

Baby Liam looks up through his glasses on his first day wearing them.

Baby Liam is shown on his first day of wearing his new glasses. Finally, said his mom, “He can see us and the world.” (Stephanie Mazzone-Meyer)

Since her baby got his new spectacles, she noticed he is smiling more (if that’s even possible), grabbing more and playing more.

“He’s a completely different baby with his new specs,” Mazzone-Meyer said. 

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“It makes me sad he had this unknown issue — but now [we’re] so happy that we caught it, and he can see us and the world.”

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Mazzone-Meyer added, “I think it’s no secret people are going through hard times across America and the world. Liam’s video brings joy, happiness and positivity to people’s day-to-day lives.”

Baby glasses

“It makes me sad he had this unknown issue — but now [we’re] so happy that we caught it, and he can see us and the world,” the baby’s mom said. (Stephanie Mazzone-Meyer)

She said, “Just watching his video can make the coldest hearts melt.”

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Medical devices could become safer with this new breakthrough, experts say

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Medical devices could become safer with this new breakthrough, experts say

Researchers from the University of British Columbia (UBC) have developed what’s being considered “a groundbreaking coating” that could make medical devices safer.

For millions of patients, this could mean reducing the risk of thrombosis (or blood clot formation) and dangerous bleeding, according to a UBC press release.

The new material, which is designed for tubing in various medical devices, mimics the “natural behavior of blood vessels.”

HIV-POSITIVE TRANSPLANTS NOW PERMITTED FOR LIVERS AND KIDNEYS

This allows for the safer use of blood-contacting devices, such as catheters, stents, blood-oxygenation machines and dialysis machines, the release stated.

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Researchers spot the difference between a bare catheter and a coated one. (Kizhakkedathu Research Group)

The coating could prove especially helpful in cases where blood clots are a bigger concern.

Blood thinners are usually prescribed in high doses to prevent clots in machine users, but this can increase the risk of dangerous bleeding, according to the university.

“Since almost all synthetic materials activate blood upon contact, this is an enormous challenge.”

“By designing a coating that mimics the body’s natural approach to preventing clots, we’ve created a solution that could dramatically reduce the need for risky blood thinners before and after patients use these devices,” the study author wrote in an email.

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Dr. Jayachandran Kizhakkedathu, professor of pathology and laboratory medicine at the University of British Columbia, shared with Fox News Digital that this discovery could be a “transformative step in the development of safer medical devices.” 

LEUKEMIA PATIENT RECEIVES FIRST-EVER BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT FROM DECEASED ORGAN DONOR

The research – which was published in the journal Nature Materials – confirmed that mimicking the body’s own mechanisms, instead of repelling blood components, is “key to truly biocompatible device design,” according to Kizhakkedathu.

female and male donors giving blood in a hospital

The new coating is engineered to imitate the function of blood vessels, according to the researchers, and acts as a “soft barrier” that attracts a key blood protein to prevent clotting. (iStock)

Kizhakkedathu mentioned that there has been a “steady rise” in the use of blood-contacting devices over the past few decades, but noted that this has been limited by blood clot risk, which can be “detrimental to the health of patients.” 

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“Since almost all synthetic materials activate blood upon contact, this is an enormous challenge,” he went on.

Developing materials that can “inherently avoid coagulation activation” has been a long-term goal, according to Kizhakkedathu.

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“There are no effective methods to prevent thrombosis and inflammation in devices, and little progress has been made over several decades in spite of significant efforts,” he went on.

patient lying in the hospital bed with IV

“There is increased hope to create highly improved medical devices where thrombosis concern is no more,” a researcher shared. (iStock)

“However, our chemistry design allowed us to develop a non-toxic polycationic molecule and develop a surface that prevents blood clotting.”

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Kizhakkedathu mentioned that this development is still in the early stages and needs further research in more challenging cases and among other animal models.

“We hope this approach will also inspire and benefit other scientists in this field,” he told Fox News Digital.

“For the general public, there is increased hope to create highly improved medical devices where thrombosis concern is no more.”

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