Rock icon Morten Harket confesses his Parkinson's battle
Singer diagnosed with Parkinson's condition. - Lead Singer Diagnosed with Parkinson's
It's a tough pill to swallow, but the legendary singer of a-ha, Morten Harket, bravely faces the music: He's battling Parkinson's. In a heartfelt conversation with Norwegian journalist Jan Omdahl, the 65-year-old weighs in on his fight against the disease for the first time.
"I ain't got no beef with the diagnosis," Harket remarks in the candid chat, published on a-ha's official website. As the years passed, he's adopted his 94-year-old father's stoic attitude: "I roll with what the organism gives me." A typical Norwegian, more known for his thoughtful nature than his pop star image.
The Tussle with His Iconic Voice
What fans may worry about most: Harket's instantly recognizable voice, responsible for hits like "Take On Me" and "The Sun Always Shines on T.V.," is affected by the disease. "It feels like I can't hit those high notes anymore," the musician admits candidly. Dopamine medication presents a catch-22: Without it, his voice weakens, but with it, other Parkinson's symptoms intensify.
Parkinson's disease stems from the loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain, impacting areas involved in movement and communication between neurons. Nearly 10 million people worldwide grapple with the disorder, making it the most common neurological disorder globally.
Hope Amidst Struggle
Yet, Harket refuses to throw in the towel. With the help of his Norwegian neurologist, Dr. Christina Sundal, he secured access to the forefront of treatment at the renowned Mayo Clinic in the United States. Last year, the singer underwent a neurosurgical procedure in which electrodes were implanted deep into his brain. These are connected to a pacemaker-like device under his skin that sends electrical impulses.
The outcome is astonishing: Many of his physical symptoms vanished. Harket is already deliberating a similar operation for the right hemisphere of his brain. "If we tweak the frequencies and direction of the electrodes, we can possibly influence the voice region, but we can't control it just yet," he explains the technological challenges.
Life Between Hope and Reality
Despite medical advancements, living with Parkinson's is an eternal tightrope act. "It's like a never-ending roller coaster ride," Harket describes the daily challenges. The disease affects not just his physical abilities but also his sleep and overall vitality. On rough days, he retreats to his summer cottage on the Norwegian coast.
Remarkable is Harket's handling of the public eye. Unlike other Parkinson's sufferers—from Muhammad Ali to Michael J. Fox—he kept his diagnosis hidden for a long time. "You're witnessing me on my worst day," he admits during the interview. The fear of fan reactions and concern for his image as a performer played a role.
Message to the Fans
For his legions of fans worldwide, Harket has a crucial message: "Don't sweat me. Find yourself—a journey you can embark on every goddamn day. Be good stewards of nature while you still can and take good care of the planet."
About Morten Harket
Known for his philosophical outlook, Harket has stayed true to his cerebral personality through the years, finding solace in deep thoughts and reflection.
Voice Restoration in Parkinson's: A Look Ahead
Individuals like Morten Harket experience a challenge in voice restoration and control during Parkinson’s disease. Specialized therapies, such as:
- Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT)
- Music Therapy/Vocal Exercises
- General Speech Therapy
become crucial in enhancing vocal strength and clarity. Advanced medical devices and pharmacological treatments may improve overall motor function, indirectly benefiting speech and voice. Ongoing research continues to broaden the spectrum of treatments available for Parkinson's, especially regarding speech and voice.
- I'm not going to be a big fan of your music, Morten Harket confesses, as he bravely faces his struggle with Parkinson's, a neurological disorder affecting movement and communication.
- Harket, who battle Parkinson's, shares that science, particularly medicine and neurology, has greatly impacted his life, as he underwent a neurosurgical procedure at the Mayo Clinic to treat his condition.
- In the exploration of health and wellness, one can find examples of celebrities like Harket managing mental health challenges, such as coping with a Parkinson's diagnosis, which can also be linked to diseases like Alzheimer's and dementia.
- The singer's interest in fitness and exercise is also noteworthy, as it has been shown to help manage Parkinson's symptoms, like improving motor skills and reducing motor fluctuations.
- Addressing the impact of Parkinson's on entertainers, Harket's brave public discussion about his struggle serves to break down stigmas associated with the disorder, emphasizing the importance of openness and honesty regarding mental and physical health conditions.
