A-ha singer reveals Parkinson's diagnosis as band issues statement
In a statement released today (Wednesday, June 4), the Norwegian band revealed the diagnosis.
It read: "This isn't the sort of news anyone wants to deliver to the world, but here it is: Morten has Parkinson's disease.'
In his own statement on the band's official website, Harket, 65, said he originally kept the degenerative condition 'strictly private' but has now decided to tell fans.
He said: "I've got no problem accepting the diagnosis. With time I've taken to heart my 94-year-old father's attitude to the way the organism gradually surrenders: 'I use whatever works'".
Harket shared that he'd been trying his best to prevent his "entire system from going into decline".
He added: "It's a difficult balancing act between taking the medication and managing its side effects.
"There's so much to weigh up when you're emulating the masterful way the body handles every complex movement, or social matters and invitations, or day-to-day life in general.'
His symptoms have been 'softened' thanks to developments in treatment from the Mayo Clinic in the United States.
As reported by The Independent, Harket shot to fame in the 1980s with synth pop trio A-ha's international chart-topping song 'Take On Me', which was released in 1985.
It became a hit after its third time being released with assistance from an animated video, directed by Steve Barron.
Harket has released 11 albums with A-ha, as well as six solo records.
According to the NHS website, Parkinson's disease is "a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years".
The main symptoms involve involuntary shaking of particular parts of the body, slow movement and stiff muscles.
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It adds: "Parkinson's disease is caused by a loss of nerve cells in part of the brain called the substantia nigra.
"This leads to a reduction in a chemical called dopamine in the brain.
"Dopamine plays a vital role in regulating the movement of the body. A reduction in dopamine is responsible for many of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease."
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