For years, Tony Bennett lived with a disease that he kept hidden from the public. Tony is going through a tough time with Alzheimer’s. In a recent interview with AARP magazine, he finally told the world about his struggles four years after being diagnosed. Even though he is facing a difficult battle, the singer posted on Twitter, thankfully showing that his spirits are high.
“Life is a gift – even with Alzheimer’s. Thank you to [his wife] Susan and my family for their support, and AARP the Magazine for telling my story.”
He told the magazine that the diagnosis happened four years ago, but he only started feeling symptoms two years prior.
Susan, his wife, also talked about her struggles with the disease:
“There’s a lot about him that I miss. Because he’s not the old Tony anymore … But when he sings, he’s the old Tony.”
Tony’s doctor, Dr. Gayatri Devi, recently gave an update on his health and shared that he is doing well at the age of 94:
“He is doing so many things, at 94, that many people without dementia cannot do, He really is the symbol of hope for someone with a cognitive disorder.”
Tony sings twice a week in sessions, and doctors think this activity is helping him retain his mental faculties.
The AARP writer interviewed Tony and learned more about his condition:
“His expression had a masklike impassivity that changed only slightly to dim awareness when Susan placed a hand on his shoulder.”
We know you can do this, Tony! Your fans are all behind you!
