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Singer Maureen McGovern, 73, reveals devastating dementia diagnosis: ‘My life has taken a different path’-Rachael O'Connor-Entertainment – Metro
‘Be well, be safe, and know you are loved.’
Maureen McGovern has revealed she has been diagnosed with Posterior Cortical Atrophy (Picture: Getty Images for 54 Below)
Singer Maureen McGovern has revealed she is experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Dementia after a devastating diagnosis.
The musician is best-known for her 1972 hit Morning After, which featured in blockbuster The Poseidon Adventure and won Best Original Song at the 45th Academy Awards.
However Maureen has had an incredible career in both music and theatre over decades, reaching back to childhood, and also appeared in classic comedy Airplane, where she played the singing nun.
Maureen, now 72, has reached out to her followers with an optimistic but bittersweet video letting them know she has been diagnosed with Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA).
The star can no longer travel or tour, or drive a car, but says she keeps music close to her heart and will continue to do so in the years to come.
In a video posted to her Facebook page, Maureen’s voice can be heard over photographs of her from down through the years, where she remembers her fulfilling career.
The star reflected on the joy she has found in life through her musical career (Picture: Getty Images for 54 Below)
She said: ‘I have been blessed with a theatre and singing career that has absolutely filled my life with joy.
The icon went all the way back to her career beginnings as a teenager, with photos from the time appearing on the screen as she recalled singing in dingy bars for mostly intoxicated men ‘who weren’t listening.’
‘However,’ she said, ‘my life has now taken a different path.
‘I have been diagnosed with Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA) with symptoms of Alzheimer’s and/or dementia.
‘What I do or what I am still able to accomplish has changed. I can no longer travel or perform at live concerts. In fact, I can no longer drive.’
Keeping her positive outlook and humour, Maureen joked: ‘How’s that for a kick in the butt?’
She went on: ‘It’s a challenge but it’s certainly not going to keep me from living my life.’
Recalling the early symptoms, Maureen said: ‘First I began having trouble finding, in my mind, the words I wanted to say,’ admitting she struggled with ‘shock, fear and frankly, hopelessness.’
‘But slowly I realised my inner life has not changed. My passion for music, for singing, remains profoundly robust.
Maureen announced the news with a sweet and optimistic video to her followers (Picture: Getty Images)
‘Music is a language that expresses what often cannot be said with just words.
‘It elevates, expands, heals, brings joy and comfort and can eliminate barriers by creating meaningful experiences. Accepting this new stage of my life, I began to embrace what I have and let it be.’
Addressing her fans, Maureen went on: ‘I hope you will continue to join me on this next endeavour. May all your lives be filled with music.’
She signed off her message with the words: ‘Be well, be safe, and know you are loved.’
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Posterior Cortical Atrophy is a rare form of dementia believed to affect about 5% of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
A person diagnosed with the disease will experience a gradual and progressive degeneration of the outer layer of the brain, and has similar symptoms to Alzheimer’s but with changes taking place in a different part of the brain.
More information about Alzheimer’s disease
More information about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia can be found at alzheimers.org.uk.
You can contact their support line on 0333 150 3456.
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