Alan Alda Reveals He Has Parkinson's Disease in Inspiring New Interview

The Editors
Updated
Photo credit: Victor Hugo - Getty Images
Photo credit: Victor Hugo - Getty Images

From Country Living

Actor Alan Alda just revealed in an interview with CBS This Morning that he has been battling Parkinson's disease for three and a half years.

The 82-year-old first wanted to get tested when he began acting out his dreams at night - which he read was one of the early signs of the disease.

"I was having a dream that someone was attacking me and I threw a sack of potatoes at them," Alan told the morning show. "But what I was really doing was throwing a pillow at my wife."

The award-winning M*A*S*H star further opened up about his decision to reveal his diagnosis after seeing his thumb twitch in recent TV interviews.

"The reason I want to talk about it in public is that I was diagnosed three and a half years ago and I've had a full life since then," Alan disclosed to the outlet. "I've acted, I've given talks, I help at the Alda Center for Communicating Science at Stony Brook, I started this new podcast."

The podcast Alan is referring to is called Clear+Vivid - a comedic, uplifting program that aims to connect people through the power of strong communication. Just like the positive goal of his podcast, Alan wanted to share his diagnosis so that he could spread strength to others who have the disorder.

According to the Mayo Clinic, Parkinson's Disease affects the central nervous system. Early signs include a slight tremor or slowed movement. While there is no cure, medication and exercise can help.

Despite the difficulties, Alan says he's "not angry." He tries to stay active by boxing, playing tennis, and marching to Sousa music. As the actor mentioned, he also spends time working at his Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science. There, he teaches communication techniques to scientists and health professionals to help them connect with their audiences better.

"In the very beginning, to be immobilized by fear and think the worst thing has happened to you - it hasn't happened to you. You still have things you can do," Alan said.

He continued:

"One day you wake up, you think, oh, it's over, it's gone. Next day it's back a little worse. You don't know what it's going to be, but the main thing is, there's stuff you can do and I've been - you know how I look at it? It's like a puzzle to be solved. What do I have to adapt to to carry on a normal life? And I enjoy solving puzzles."

Above all, the actor is determined to "not worry" and never let Parkinson's get in the way of him living his life to the fullest.

"It's three-and-a-half years since I had the diagnosis and it hasn't stopped my life at all. I've had a richer life than I've had up until now."

In addition to Alan, Parkinson's has affected other celebrities, including Michael J. Fox, who was diagnosed at 29. Singer Neil Diamond, 72, was diagnosed with the disease this year.

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