Singer Carly Simon ‘learning how to live’ with Parkinson’s disease - CNN

What the report says

CNN reported that singer-songwriter Carly Simon has disclosed she has Parkinson’s disease and was recently treated for basal cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer. In a statement provided to The Associated Press, Simon said she had been relatively quiet publicly because she has been “learning how to live” with the neurological condition.

Simon, 83, said she first had arthritis in one hip and both knees and underwent replacement surgeries for all three joints, but her mobility kept worsening. She said she sometimes needed significant help to walk, prompting further evaluation at the Mayo Clinic, where she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Simon described the condition as variable, saying some days leave her too fatigued to begin, while other days allow more movement, thought and work.

CNN noted that Parkinson’s affects movement and is commonly associated with tremors, slowed motion, stiffness, balance issues and speech changes. The Parkinson’s Foundation estimates about 1 million people in the United States and 10 million worldwide live with the disease. There is no cure, though medications, therapy and other treatments can help manage symptoms. Simon said she has begun treatment, including medication for stiffness and other effects.

Simon also said she had surgery to remove basal cell carcinoma from her face, adding that the procedure affected her appearance and made her more hesitant to be seen publicly. She said music has helped her cope, and CNN reported that she plans to release “Comes in Waves,” her first album of original songs since 2008, on Aug. 14.