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The legendary singer spent more than 70 years in show business and performed with stars such as Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. But now, age has taken its toll and the iconic performer is bound to a wheelchair. After being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, things are not looking good.
Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. The symptoms develop so much that they interfere with the performance of daily duties. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia – a general term for loss of memory and other cognitive abilities so severe that it interferes with daily life.
Bennett was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016, and a few months ago he announced that he will completely retire from public life.
The last time,the legend performed in August last year at the concert called “One Last Time” at Radio City Music Hall in New York.
‘There’s a lot about him that I miss because he’s not the old Tony anymore, except when he’s singing,’ said his wife Susan.
The 94-year-old singer’s illness began to gain momentum from the moment he was diagnosed, but fortunately, he was spared the disorientation that often causes patients to wander, and has fits of anger or depression.
Bennett noticed the first signs of the illness in 2015 when he noticed he couldn’t remember the names of his fellow musicians.
‘At 94 years of age, he does so many things that even many without dementia cannot do, he is truly a symbol of hope for those suffering from cognitive disorders,’ said Dr. Gayatri Devi, the doctor who diagnosed him.
Susan is Bennett’s third wife and primary caregiver, paying special attention to the Mediterranean diet and exercise, which have been shown to be very helpful in slowing the process of memory loss.
Dr. Devi says he is pleasantly surprised by Susan’s commitment.
‘She expects a lot from him. I think it helps her in her learning past, but also the love for her,” says Dr. Devi, adding that the singer fulfills all his wife’s teachings.
The doctor encourages Susan to let her husband sing and perform as much as possible, as it simulates his brain. Although Bennett’s last public appearance was a while ago, he still works out twice a week.
Susan hopes the end of her husband’s life will be peaceful, like actor Sean Connery who died in a dream last year while battling dementia.
I hope the same for Tony. I hope he only sleeps one night and that will be it. I hope and pray it doesn’t get worse, says Susan, 54, who has been married to Bennett since 2007.
