Alan Alda reveals Parkinson's diagnosis

Star says he hopes it will 'encourage others to take action'

by Amber Wilkinson

M*A*S*H star Alan Alda has revealed he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease three-and-a-half years ago.

The 82-year-old spoke about the progressive condition, which can lead to a range of problems including tremors and memory difficulties, on CBS This Morning. He later posted a video of himself on Twitter juggling.

He tweeted: "I decided to let people know I have Parkinson’s to encourage others to take action. I was Diagnosed 3 and a half years ago, but my life is full. I act, I give talks, I do my podcast, which I love. If you get a diagnosis, keep moving

"I take boxing lessons 3 days a week, play singles tennis twice a week, and take a mild pill – all Dr. recommended. I even juggle a little. And I’m not entering dementia. I’m no more demented than I was before. Maybe I should rephrase that. Really, I’m good."

He talked about the diagnosis because he said that as he promoted his new podcast Clear + Vivid, he had noticed his thumb twitching and was concerned the story would be spun in from a "sad point of view".

He is not the first Hollywood star to be affected by Parkinson's, Michael J Fox was diagnosed with the young on-set variant of the disease in 1991 and Billy Connolly has also spoken about the illness since he was diagnosed in 2014.

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