US country singer Glen Campbell has Alzheimer's
LOS ANGELES: US country music veteran Glen Campbell, famous for hits like "Rhinestone Cowboy," has Alzheimer's disease, he announced Wednesday.
In an interview with People magazine, the 75-year-old and his wife Kim said they decided to go public because he plans a final series of concerts later this year and wants fans to know his condition.
"Glen is still an awesome guitar player and singer," she said. "But if he flubs a lyric or gets confused on stage, I wouldn't want people to think, 'What's the matter with him? Is he drunk?'"
Campbell, whose other hits include "Gentle on my Mind," said he has suffered for years from short-term memory loss, but was diagnosed with Alzheimer's six months ago.
"I still love making music, and I still love performing for my fans", he said adding: "I'd like to thank them for sticking with me through thick and thin."
An estimated 18 million people worldwide suffer from Alzheimer's, the most common form of dementia.
Copyright AFP (Agence France-Presse), 2011
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