(PresidentialWire.com)- We know we usually bring you political news, but the story of beloved jazz and big band singer Tony Bennett being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease is one we can’t not talk about.
Bennett’s son and wife revealed the sad news about one of the nation’s favorite singers, who is now 94 years old. In the most recent edition of AARP The Magazine, the pair revealed how Bennett was first diagnosed with the disease in 2016.
Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerate neurological disorder that reduces a person’s conscious awareness, impacts memory and inhibits general cognitive function.
They told the magazine how Bennett now has “increasingly rarer moments of clarity and awareness.”
Just tragic.
But incredibly, despite his condition, Bennett still rehearses twice a week and performs a 90-minute set with Lee Musiker, his long-time pianist. The magazine interview revealed how, even as he loses his memories, Bennett still sings impeccable, with an apparent ease and great pitch.
The official Tony Bennett Twitter account published a thankful message about the interview.
“Life is a gift – even with Alzheimer’s,” it read. “Thank you to Susan and my family for their support, and @AARP The Magazine for telling my story.”
Life is a gift – even with Alzheimer’s. Thank you to Susan and my family for their support, and @AARP The Magazine for telling my story.
Read more here:https://t.co/R05A4jc5BF⁰
📸 Kelsey Bennett pic.twitter.com/ApxBCpGv0y
— Tony Bennett (@itstonybennett) February 1, 2021
The tweet received an outpouring of support from fans.
A true legend. 💗💗
— Caitríona Balfe (@caitrionambalfe) February 1, 2021
Gayatri Devi, the neurologist who diagnosed Bennett with the disease, told the magazine that he has an “amazingly versatile brain.”
Devi described how Bennett has “cognitive issues” but that “multiple other areas of his brain are still resilient and functioning well.”
Which probably explains why he can still sing perfectly and remember his songs!
“He is doing so many things, at 94, that many people without dementia cannot do,” she added. “He really is the symbol of hope for someone with a cognitive disorder.”
Devi also said that she encouraged Bennett to continue singing as it stimulates his brain.
AARP also confirmed that the condition is worsening.
But as Bennett battles his disease, he isn’t backing down, and is set to release a brand new album that will follow up on his 2014 Cheek To Cheek album that featured Lady Gaga.
That’s something we can all look out for!
