Linda Ronstadt: Parkinson’s Took Her Voice But Not Her Spirit
Known for her rich soprano vocals as the lead singer of the 1960s band the Stone Poneys, Linda Ronstadt opened up about her Parkinson’s disease diagnosis to AARP The Magazine in 2013. After two very bad tick bites in the 1980s, Ronstadt says her health never fully recovered but she didn’t visit a neurologist until she was no longer able to sing.
“I didn’t know why I couldn’t sing all I knew was that it was muscular or mechanical. Then when I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, I was finally given the reason. I now understand that no one can sing with Parkinson’s disease. No matter how hard you try. And in my case, I can’t sing a note,” she told AARP.
Celebrities Whove Been Diagnosed With Parkinsons Disease
After getting a life-changing Parkinsons disease diagnosis, it can be comforting to find out who else has the same diagnosis. While its important to have a friend, family member or acquaintance to talk to in person who knows exactly what youre going through. Knowing one of your favorite public figures is experiencing similar symptoms as you can also help you feel less alone. These famous folks have spoken out about their condition, bringing awareness and visibility to conditions the general population might not know much about, if anything at all.
Parkinsons disease is a chronic, progressive neurological condition caused by the degeneration of nerve cells in the part of the brain that controls movement. As a result, the nerve cells cannot produce dopamine, a chemical that helps coordinate movement. Hallmark symptoms include shaking in limbs when the limbs are at rest slowness of movement, where you cannot move your body as fast as you would like and rigidity, or stiffness in the body. Parkinsons also causes a number of symptoms unrelated to movement, including digestive issues, loss of smell, chronic pain, depression and blood pressure issues.
Dont Miss: Does Sam Waterston Have Parkinsons
Muhammad Ali Struggle With Parkinsons Disease
If theres one name thatthe world will never forget, its that of the greatest boxer of all time:Muhammad Ali. The Olympic gold medal winner was known as a living legend. Hedefeated a long list of some of the most famous boxers in history includingGeorge Foreman and Joe Frazier.
Ali is still historys only three-time world heavyweight champion to date. He devoted his time outside the boxing ring by using his fame for influence.
He actively campaignedfor cultural pride among African Americans and, after his diagnosis, spent thelast thirty years of his life to raising awareness about the effects ofParkinsons disease to the public.
Muhammad Ali wasdiagnosed with PD in the year 1984. Just three years earlier, the legendaryboxer had declared his retirement from boxing. During the next 32 years of hislife, Ali remained one of the most renowned people to battle the condition.
Our Recommended products for Parkinsons disease
We are amazon affiliates, please support us by clicking on the link above.
He used his publicplatform to spread awareness and advocated heavily for more government fundingtowards research. As well as donating his own royalties to research projects,Ali began an annual Celebrity Fight Night to raise money for research.
Read Also: Stage 3 Parkinson’s Disease
Ben Petrick: The Major League With Parkinsons
Ben Petrick dreamed of a stellar baseball career as a catcher with the Colorado Rockies. He played in 240 Major League games, the majority of which came after Parkinsons disease struck him at age 22 in 2000. He retired from baseball in 2004.
Hes since authored Forty Thousand to One, a book whose title in part references the 40,000 Americans diagnosed with Parkinsons disease every year. The book also recounts his experiences in Major League Baseball while coping with Parkinsons disease. According to an ESPN interview, Petricks father was also diagnosed with the condition but maintains a positive attitude, saying that although he has Parkinsons, Parkinsons doesnt have him.
Read Also: On-off Phenomenon
Myth : Parkinsons Is Only A Motor Condition
Fact: While its true that Parkinsons disease symptoms include shaking and tremor, rigid muscles, slowness of movement, and a frozen or flat expression, its a lot more than that.
Nonmotor symptoms deserve and are getting more attention from doctors and researchers. These symptoms include cognitive impairment or dementia , anxiety and depression, fatigue, sleep problems and more.
For some patients, nonmotor symptoms are more disabling than motor symptoms, which are the focus of treatment. Be sure to talk to your doctor about other issues so you can get all of your symptoms addressed.
Recommended Reading: What Should Parkinson’s Patients Eat
Linda Ronstadt: Parkinsons Took Her Voice But Not Her Spirit
Known for her rich soprano vocals as the lead singer of the 1960s band the Stone Poneys, Linda Ronstadt opened up about her Parkinsons disease diagnosis to AARP The Magazine in 2013. After two very bad tick bites in the 1980s, Ronstadt says her health never fully recovered but she didnt visit a neurologist until she was no longer able to sing.
I didnt know why I couldnt sing all I knew was that it was muscular or mechanical. Then when I was diagnosed with Parkinsons, I was finally given the reason. I now understand that no one can sing with Parkinsons disease. No matter how hard you try. And in my case, I cant sing a note, she told AARP.
Retired Nba Power Forward Brian Grant Isnt The Only Famous Athlete With Parkinsons Here Are 10 More Sports Superstars Diagnosed With The Disease
NBA legend Brian Grant retired from professional basketball in 2006 after a 12-year career playing for the Sacramento Kings, Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns.
Two years later, at the age of 36, he was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinsons disease. This motivated him to launch the Brian Grant Foundation, which provides educational tools to help people with Parkinsons lead active, fulfilling lives.
But, as most of us know, Grant isnt the only sports superstar to power through the disease. Here are 10 more legendary athletes with Parkinsons.
Recommended Reading: Cause For Parkinson’s Disease
Maurice White: A Performer With Parkinson’s
One of the founding members of the band Earth, Wind & Fire, Maurice White noted the first symptoms of Parkinson’s disease in the 1980s while the band’s popularity was going strong. Although he was diagnosed in 1992 at age 50, he kept quiet about his disease for eight years. In a 2000 interview with Rolling Stone, he discussed his diagnosis, saying, “I traveled with the band for five years with Parkinson’s. I was treating it with medication then, and I still have it under control. It’s not taking anything away from me.”
White died in 2016 at age 74.
Alan And David Osmond
Alan Osmond and many of his siblings became famous as members of the singing, dancing Osmond family. His son, David, is now carrying on the family name as a performer, including a turn on TVs American Idol. They share something else, too: Both father and son have multiple sclerosis. They live by Alans motto: I may have MS, but MS does not have me.
Recommended Reading: On And Off Phenomenon
Read Also: Parkinson’s Feet Stuck To Floor
What Is The Difference Between Lewy Body Dementia And Parkinsons Disease Dementia
Lewy Body Dementia is a term used for both Parkinsons disease dementia and Lewy Body Dementia. They have some things in common, but their progression and treatment are different.
While many people with Parkinsons can experience cognitive changes, it is important to know that not everyone with Parkinsons will develop dementia. When we see more severe cognitive changes, particularly when they affect someones function or ability to act independently for activities of daily living, their work or hobbies, we think of that as being a form of dementia, said Dr. Goldman.
With Parkinsons dementia, the motor symptoms precede the dementia. In dementia with Lewy Body the initial core symptom is dementia cognitive changes are early, and motor features, if present, occur either after the onset of dementia or concurrently, said Dr. Goldman.
Recommended Reading: Diseases Similar To Parkinsons
Top 10 Famous People With Parkinsons Disease
Parkinsons disease is a degenerative nervous system disorder that produces tremors, stiffness, and balance issues in persons who have it. People with Parkinsons disease may develop cognitive problems, including dementia, as their condition develops. Approximately 1 million Americans suffer from this chronic disease, with 60,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Some public personalities have faced this condition, and many have worked to raise awareness and funding to aid in the search for improved therapies. Here are a few famous people with Parkinsons disease you may be familiar with.
Recommended Reading: Adaptive Silverware For Parkinsons
Don’t Miss: How To Help Parkinson’s Patients
Celebrities Who’ve Been Diagnosed With Parkinson’s Disease
After getting a life-changing Parkinsons disease diagnosis, it can be comforting to find out who else has the same diagnosis. While its important to have a friend, family member or acquaintance to talk to in person who knows exactly what youre going through. Knowing one of your favorite public figures is experiencing similar symptoms as you can also help you feel less alone. These famous folks have spoken out about their condition, bringing awareness and visibility to conditions the general population might not know much about, if anything at all.
Parkinsons disease is a chronic, progressive neurological condition caused by the degeneration of nerve cells in the part of the brain that controls movement. As a result, the nerve cells cannot produce dopamine, a chemical that helps coordinate movement. Hallmark symptoms include shaking in limbs when the limbs are at rest slowness of movement, where you cannot move your body as fast as you would like and rigidity, or stiffness in the body. Parkinsons also causes a number of symptoms unrelated to movement, including digestive issues, loss of smell, chronic pain, depression and blood pressure issues.
Musicians Artists And Actors With Alzheimers Or Dementia
The world takes notice when entertainers have Alzheimers. Even though it must be difficult for celebrities and their families to release this news to the world, it does raise awareness of the disease.
Here are some musicians, artists, and actors that had dementia or Alzheimers, according to the Brevard Alzheimers Foundation.
Recommended Reading: Can Dogs Get Parkinson’s
Celebrity And High Profile Supporters
Our celebrity supporters use their voice and time to make a difference to the lives of people with Parkinsons.
Were delighted to have such a passionate and dedicated network of supporters from the fields of sport, entertainment and the arts.
Our high profile supporters include our President, , and our Patron, HRH the Duchess of Gloucester.
You can get in touch with our VIP team by emailing .
List Of Famous People Who Had Or Have Parkinson’s Disease
- Walter Sisulu – South African freedom fighter
- Whit Bissell American character actor
- William Everson – American poet
- William Lawrence Boyd
- William Masters
NOTE: If you know of a discrepancy in this list please contact us so we can amend the entry.
Disabled World is an independent disability community established in 2004 to provide disability news and information to people with disabilities, seniors, their family and/or carers. See our homepage for informative news, reviews, sports, stories and how-tos. You can also connect with us on and or learn more about Disabled World on our about us page.
Disabled World provides general information only. The materials presented are never meant to substitute for professional medical care by a qualified practitioner, nor should they be construed as such. Financial support is derived from advertisements or referral programs, where indicated. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.
⢠Cite This Page : Disabled World. . Famous People Who Have or Had Parkinson’s Disease. Disabled World. Retrieved September 24, 2022 from www.disabled-world.com/disability/awareness/famous/pdd.php⢠Permalink: < a href=”https://www.disabled-world.com/disability/awareness/famous/pdd.php”> Famous People Who Have or Had Parkinson’s Disease< /a>
Don’t Miss: Natural Supplements For Parkinson’s Disease
Alan Alda Reveals He Has Parkinsons Disease
US actor Alan Alda, star of M*A*S*H and The West Wing, has revealed he has Parkinsons disease.
The 82-year-old told the CBS This Morning show he was diagnosed three-and-a-half years ago but had only decided to speak about it now.
The reason I want to talk about it in public is Ive had a full life since then, he said.
You still have things you can do, he went on, revealing he was taking boxing lessons three times a week.
Parkinsons is a progressive condition in which the brain becomes damaged. It can lead to tremors, difficulty moving, speech changes and eventually memory problems.
NEW: Actor just revealed he has Parkinsons disease. The award-winning actor says he was diagnosed with the disease three and a half years ago.
CBS News
Alda is best known for playing Captain Benjamin Franklin Hawkeye Pierce in the TV series M*A*S*H from 1972 to 1983.
He went on to play presidential candidate Arnold Vinick in The West Wing and was Oscar nominated in 2005 for The Aviator.
Alda said he had noticed during recent interviews to promote his new podcast that he could see thumb twitch in some shots.
I thought, its probably only a matter of time before somebody does a story about this from a sad point of view but thats not where I am, he continued.
Alda said he had gone to his doctor to ask for a scan because he suspected he might have the disease.
Dont Miss: Judy Woodruff Health Problems
Famous People Diagnosed With Parkinson’s Disease
The motor system disorder Parkinson’s disease is characterized by unintended or uncontrollable body movements, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke . Symptoms include tremors, muscle stiffness, impaired balance, and problems speaking, swallowing, and sleeping. It can also cause cognitive issues and generally occurs around the age of 70, affecting more men than women. There is no cure.
There are several celebrities who have been diagnosed with PD. Many were older when they started experiencing symptoms, but some, like actor Michael J. Fox, was only in his late 20s when he learned that he had the disease. Several of these stars have continued to perform and entertain even after experiencing symptoms of the disease, proving that it’s not a death sentence. While it can be debilitating at times, and some days are better than others, the following actors, singers, and athletes have largely tried to remain positive and not let PD get them down. Many of their stories are inspiring, and while some have since passed on, many more are still living with the disease and making the most of it.
Recommended Reading: Does Jesse Jackson Have Parkinsons
Important Facts About Parkinsons Disease
According to the not-for-profit organization, Mayo Clinic, Parkinsons disease is a progressive nervous system disorder affecting movements. Its symptoms are starting gradually, and sometimes, begins with a barely noticeable shaking of one hand. Tremors for this disease are typical. However, the disorder usually causes stiffness too or slowing down in terms of movement.
During the early phases of Parkinsons, a persons face may display little expression . His arms may not move or swing when he walks. Even the speech gets affected as it becomes slurred or soft. PD symptoms worsen as the condition progresses or develops over time.
In addition, even though it is incurable, there might be remarkable improvements with the symptoms due to medications. On some occasions, the doctor may recommend surgery to regulate some regions of the brain, not to mention, improve the symptoms.
Dont Miss: Parkinsons Bike Therapy
Ozzy Osbourne: Accepting The Terms Together With His Diagnosis
Former Black Sabbath front man Ozzy Osbourne revealed this news of his Parkinsons disease diagnosis within an emotional interview with Robin Roberts on Hello America. Supported by his wife, Sharon, Osbourne confirmed that hed been identified as having Parkinsons in Feb 2019 following a number of health problems though his situation is mild and, as Sharon emphasized, its not really a dying sentence by stretch from the imagination.
Im not good with secrets, the superstar confessed. I cannot walk around by using it any longer cause its like Im not having enough excuses.
Diagnosing coincided having a bad fall and subsequent surgery on his neck, as Osbourne started to see numbness and chills in a single arm and both legs. I have no idea if thats the Parkinsons or what, he stated. Thats the issue its an odd feeling. Hes now taking Parkinsons medication together with nerve pills and it has planned a vacation to visit a specialist in Europe in April 2020.
I feel good now Ive owned up that Ive got a situation of Parkinsons, Osbourne stated. And I really hope hold off, since i need them.
Read Also: Is Drooling A Sign Of Parkinson’s
Neil Diamond: Stepping Away From Touring Because Of Parkinsons
Singer Neil Diamond announced on January 22, 2018, that he was retiring from touring because of a recent Parkinsons diagnosis. The news came during his 50th anniversary tour, as Diamond announced he would have to cancel upcoming concert dates in Australia and New Zealand. In a statement on his official website, he said, It is with great reluctance and disappointment that I announce my retirement from concert touring. I have been so honored to bring my shows to the public for the past 50 years.
Diamond reassured fans that he would continue writing and recording music, but he would not perform in front of live audiences in the future. His hits over the years have included Girl, Youll Be a Woman Soon, Sweet Caroline, Cracklin Rosie, Song Sung Blue, and Red, Red Wine.
Diamond was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2018 Grammy Awards.