[ad_1]
Legendary singer Tony Bennett has Alzheimer’s disease and was diagnosed in 2016, according to a profile from AARP magazine.
On the recommendation of his neurologist, the 94-year-old continued to tour and record music after his diagnosis, and due to the “special power” of music to awaken deep memories in patients with dementia, “The public and the critics never suspected his condition.”
Bennett continued to record and tour until March 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic put an end to live musical performances.
Since then, his condition has worsened, his caregivers told AARP.
“How the therapeutic performance had been beneficial for Tony soon became evident when his world shrank to the confines of his apartment,” Bennett’s neurologist Dr Gayatri Devi told the magazine.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, a term that refers to the loss of cognitive functions like thinking and memory. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 50 million people have Alzheimer’s disease, which is caused by the accumulation of certain proteins in the brain.
Describing him as free today from some of the disease’s worst symptoms – anger, disorientation – the magazine noted that there is still “little doubt that the disease has progressed.”
The AARP reported that Bennett’s “increasingly rare moments of clarity” show how far the disease has advanced; a fork and a set of house keys were “totally mysterious to him.”
Lady Gaga’s upcoming collaboration with Bennett, recorded from 2018 to 2020 and slated for release this spring, is among the plans that have helped slow her condition’s progress, the magazine noted.
Bennett’s son Danny and wife Susan Crow said they decided to share the news of Bennett’s condition as they knew he wouldn’t be able to do any promotional interviews for the new album.
They would be eager to have “as many ears as possible to hear and enjoy what could very well be Tony Bennett’s latest album.”
In an email, Danny Bennett said being his father’s manager “has been a privilege and an incredible journey”.
“He never ceases to inspire me with his passion and dedication to all that life has to offer. The past four years have been no exception. He continues to sing and keep fit every day. I speak at on behalf of the whole family thanking his wonderful wife, Susan, for all the support and love she has given him. “
“Our wish is that by openly sharing its challenges with Alzheimer’s disease, we will give hope to all those who are confronted with this disease and help to end the stigma surrounding this disease.” Above all, we want to be able to help raise awareness, advocate for advancement. new therapies and one day soon, find a cure.
Diana dasrath contributed.
[ad_2]
Source link