Carly Simon diagnosed with Parkinsons

Carly Simon Diagnosed with Parkinson's

Carly Simon, the renowned singer and songwriter, has revealed that she has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. In a statement, Simon explained that she has spent time learning to live with the progressive neurological disorder and deciding whether to discuss it publicly.

Simon's health problems began with arthritis in both knees and one hip, which led to three joint replacement surgeries. However, her mobility continued to worsen, and she had trouble standing up from low chairs and deep couches without assistance. After an extensive evaluation at the Mayo Clinic, she was diagnosed with Parkinson's.

According to Simon, Parkinson's is different for everyone and can be unpredictable. Some days she is so tired that she cannot get the day moving at all, while on others, she has more room to move, think, work, and feel like herself. She has begun treatment, including medication to help with stiffness and other symptoms.

Simon also revealed that she was treated for basal cell carcinoma on her face during the same period. The cancer was removed, but the surgery affected her appearance and made her more self-conscious about being seen publicly. As a result, she withdrew from public view, citing her mobility issues, Parkinson's diagnosis, surgery, and emotional effects.

Despite her health challenges, Simon has continued working, including recording a new album, "Comes in Waves," which is scheduled for release. She found solace in music, which gave shape to days that did not always have much shape. Working on the album reminded her that illness can change her life without becoming the whole of her life.

Simon's experience with Parkinson's has not been easy, and she has struggled with the emotional toll of the disease. She described the apathy that comes with Parkinson's as "particularly strange," explaining that it is not simply sadness or laziness, but rather a feeling of being disconnected from life. She likened it to a part of the brain that sends out invitations to participate in life having temporarily misplaced the guest list.

Simon's decision to speak publicly about her diagnosis is proof of her strength and resilience. She expressed gratitude to her loved ones, including her children, family, friends, caregivers, and medical professionals, for their support. She concluded by saying that she is still very much present, despite moving more slowly and leaning on others more than she once did.