Latest news with #ParkinsonsDisease
Health Line
34 minutes ago
- Health
- Health Line
Ozzy Osbourne Dies at 76 After Long Battle with Parkinson's Disease
The effects of Parkinson's disease are back in the spotlight after the death of singer Ozzy Osbourne. Experts say Parkinson's can cause a wide variety of health issues, from falling to tremors to slow movement to cognitive impairment. They say regular exercise, a balanced diet, and memory games can help ease symptoms. The death of heavy metal singer Ozzy Osbourne is shining a spotlight on the difficulties people have while living with Parkinson's disease. Osbourne, the front man for the 1970s group Black Sabbath, died this week at the age of 76. No official cause of death has been announced. Osbourne had numerous health issues, some of which stemmed from his heavy use of alcohol and drugs. In 2020, the musician and reality television star revealed he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. He said he had sustained injuries the previous year after falling, a common occurrence for people with this neurological condition. Osbourne said in a 2023 interview he had been through 'absolute hell' due to his health issues. Earlier this year, Osbourne's wife, Sharon, reported that her husband was unable to walk due to Parkinson's, but the disease had not affected his voice. Osbourne performed on July 5 at a farewell concert with his former bandmates. Due to his inability to stand or walk, he sat on a throne while he sang. Parkinson's disease can produce a wide variety of health issues The Parkinson's Foundation estimates there are slightly more than 1 million people in the United States living with Parkinson's disease. About 90,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with the condition every year. About 96% of those diagnosed are over the age of 50. Parkinson's disease is a nervous system disorder that impacts balance and movement. It's caused by the loss of nerve cells in the brain that control the production of the chemical dopamine. Genetic and environmental factors have been targeted as possible risk factors for Parkinson's. Experts note that a wide variety of health issues can be caused by Parkinson's. Among them: Tremors Rigidity in muscles Slowness of movement Higher risk of falls Cognitive impairment Lower blood pressure Constipation Sexual dysfunction Sleep impairment Slurred speech 'Parkinson's disease has been associated with a host of risks including motor symptoms like tremor, stiffness, and slowness but also non-motor symptoms such as depression, constipation, apathy, and cognitive changes,' said Michael Okun, MD, a medical advisor to the Parkinson's Foundation and the co-author of the book 'The Parkinson's Plan.' 'As the disease progresses, risks of falls, infections, and complications from immobility rise, especially if not properly managed,' he added. Experts say these symptoms can seriously impair a person's daily life. 'Parkinson's disrupts everyday routines including getting dressed, walking, writing, and even speaking,' Okun told Healthline. 'These symptoms commonly worsen and become more challenging over time. The disease also affects mood, energy, and sleep, so it's not just the visible tremor.' Daniel Truong, MD, a neurologist and medical director of the Truong Neuroscience Institute at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in California and editor in chief of the 'Journal of Clinical Parkinsonism and Related Disorders,' agrees that the limitations produced by Parkinson's can be quite serious. 'It affects the movements due to slowness. The stiffness interferes with movements such as using utensils and buttoning shirts. Rigidity reduces range of motion, comfort, [and] pain,' Troung told Healthline. 'Multitasking and decision making may be impaired, affecting work or managing finances. Depression, anxiety, and apathy can reduce motivation and social engagement,' he added. Truong and Okun both say falling is a chief concern for people living with Parkinson's. 'Falls are a major health concern in people with Parkinson's disease and can lead to a cascade of serious complications that significantly worsen overall health and quality of life,' said Truong. 'Falls are a serious concern in Parkinson's,' added Okun. 'A single fall can lead to broken bones, head injuries, or hospital stays, which can cascade into infections, loss of mobility, and even cognitive decline. Preventing falls through balance training, home safety, and medication adjustments is an essential element to a solid Parkinson's treatment plan.' How to improve quality of life while living with Parkinson's Actor Michael J. Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1991 at the age of 29. The star of the 'Back to the Future' films and an Emmy winner for the television shows 'Family Ties' and 'Spin City' made his diagnosis public in 1998. He formed the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research in 2000. The organization has raised more than $2 billion for Parkinson's research. Fox has spoken publicly about his life with Parkinson's. The tremors from the condition cause him to constantly sway back and forth. He has been injured from falling numerous times. His speech can be mumbled. The 64-year-old father of four says the disease 'sucks' but 'it didn't defeat me.' Troung and Okun say there are a number of lifestyle practices people with Parkinson's can adopt to help improve their quality of life. Exercise is at the top of the list. Diet is also an important factor. 'People with Parkinson's disease can significantly improve their quality of life through a variety of lifestyle activities,' said Truong. 'These activities help manage symptoms, slow progression, and promote emotional and physical well-being. Regular, targeted exercise improves motor function, balance, mood, and even cognition. These are aerobic exercise, balancing exercise.' 'Exercise is medicine for Parkinson's and can include everything from walking, dancing, and boxing to yoga and tai chi,' added Okun. For diet, Truong recommends: High antioxidant foods Fiber-rich food to prevent constipation Spacing out heavy protein meals He also says cognitive engagement exercises such as puzzles, music therapy, and memory games can be beneficial. Okun says an active lifestyle can pay significant dividends. 'Staying socially and mentally engaged, eating well, sleeping better, and working with a multidisciplinary care team can make a big difference in quality of life,' he said. 'Parkinson's is treatable and should not be a death sentence. It should be a life sentence.'
The Sun
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Sharon Osbourne breaks silence as she responds to touching Ozzy tributes after her beloved husband's death aged 76
SHARON Osbourne has broken her silence as she responds to touching tributes paid to her beloved husband Ozzy. The iconic singer - dubbed the Prince of Darkness - passed away after a long battle with Parkinson's disease, it was confirmed yesterday. 5 5 Now, his loving wife Sharon has responded to fans sending their condolences on social media. She replied to one message shared by musician Gavin Rossdale. The Bush singer posted a picture of himself with Ozzy on Instagram, with the caption: "RIP OZZY - a great man - a true legend - I met Ozzy through Jack just a few times, but he was so warm and kind and funny and I love that memory. "Sending much love to his family at this difficult time. Rest in power." Sharon wrote underneath "bless you" in acknowledgement of the tribute. The late rock star's wife also replied to BBC Radio 1 DJ Jack Saunders' message of support. "Jack thank you for your tribute to Ozzy tonight, bless you," she commented. Thames Valley Air Ambulance confirmed an air ambulance was dispatched to 'provide advanced critical care'. Sharon — married for 43 years — said in a joint statement that he had been 'surrounded by love'. Ozzy Osbourne top five greatest moments Ozzy's life changed forever when Sharon Levy turned up at the door in 1970. He later said of the woman who became his second wife: 'If it weren't for her, without a shadow of a doubt, I would be dead.' Sharon, then 27, was the daughter of Black Sabbath's manager Don Arden. They'd first met when she was 18 and working as her dad's receptionist. The singer wrote in his autobiography I Am Ozzy: 'I fell for Sharon so badly, man.' Sharon convinced the wreck that he could be a solo star, and that she should be the one to manage him. In one of his last interviews, Ozzy described the reality TV star and X Factor judge as his 'soulmate'. He said: 'Sometimes I love her, sometimes I don't love her, sometimes I'm angry with her, sometimes I'm crazy about her, sometimes I'm very jealous of her, sometimes I wanna f***ing kill her. 'But through it all, at the end of the day, I love her more than anything in the world.' As Sharon took over running Ozzy's professional life, the Brummie lad quickly realised that he had never met a woman like her before. In his 2009 biography, I Am Ozzy, he revealed: 'I'd never come across a girl who was like me. Wherever we went, we were always the drunkest and the loudest. 'I learned that when Sharon is on a mission, she'll throw herself at it, lock, stock and barrel, and not stop fighting until well after the bell's rung. 'I trusted Sharon like I'd never trusted anyone before on the business side of things.' Not only did she become mother to his three children Aimee, Kelly and Jack but she also got things back on track. Debut solo album Blizzard of Ozz, with big numbers like Crazy Train, Suicide Solution and Mr Crowley, appeared in September 1980, and eventually sold more than five million copies. Sharon also amped up his satanic image, encouraging stage antics such as flinging animal entrails into the audience. Ozzy's family statement BLACK Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne has died at the age of 76. A statement from his family said: "It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. "He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time. "Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis." Sharon and Ozzy wed in Hawaii on July 4, 1982. However, in 1989 Ozzy's hardcore partying lifestyle took a sinister turn when he tried to strangle Sharon. Although the couple have famously spoken about how they both gave as good as they got, the incident saw Ozzy seek help for his drug use. She agreed not to press charges if he went to rehab - a decision that allowed the artist to continue performing and become the icon he is remembered as today. Along with Sharon and his kids, they became global TV sensations through their groundbreaking fly-on-the-wall documentary The Osbournes. It was such a smash hit that it paved the way for similar reality shows featuring Paris Hilton and later The Kardashians. The Black Sabbath star's death comes just weeks after he took to the stage one final time with his band mates at Villa Park in Birmingham. Only three weeks ago, the Prince of Darkness who brought light into so many lives gave us one last hurrah when heavy metal royalty descended on Villa Park, Birmingham, to pay their respects. The Back to the Beginning gig ended with him - seated on a giant black throne because he could not stand - joining his Black Sabbath muckers on the songs that took him to the world stage. The icon vowed, however, that it would be his final performance due to his deteriorating health, having opened up about his battle with Parkinson's in 2020. Then, on July 22, Ozzy died at home in his stunning mansion in Welders, Buckinghamshire, "surrounded by love". 'HE SECURED HIS PLACE IN THE PANTHEON OF ROCK GODS' Ozzy's death on Tuesday — just 17 days after a farewell gig at the city's Villa Park stadium — drew condolences from stars including Sir Rod Stewart, Noel Gallagher and Sir Elton John. And yesterday friends said many big names wanted to salute the bat-munching, self-proclaimed Prince of Darkness, who became a national treasure. Such a service would be held ahead of a smaller private funeral. A source told The Sun: 'There are conversations about a celebration of his life in Birmingham, the city that meant so much to him. 'Artists like Yungblud, who was seen by Ozzy as a musician who could carry on the mantle of what he started all those years ago, is expected to have a role in it. 'There are hundreds of big names who will want to pay their respects and celebrate his life and legacy, as well as thousands of fans who would line the streets to say goodbye.' Tributes poured in for the legendary singer from across the music world. Sir Elton John shared a photo of himself alongside Ozzy with the message: "So sad to hear the news of Ozzy Osbourne passing away. "He was a dear friend and a huge trailblazer who secured his place in the pantheon of rock gods - a true legend. "He was also one of the funniest people I've ever met. I will miss him dearly. "To Sharon and the family, I send my condolences and love. Elton xx" Singer-songwriter Yungblud wrote on X: "I didn't think you would leave so soon the last time we met you were so full of life and your laugh filled up the room. "But as it is written with legends, they seem to know things that we don't. "I will never forget you - you will be in every single note I sing and with me every single time I walk on stage. "Your cross around my neck is the most precious thing I own. "You asked me once if there was anything you could do for me and as I said then and as I will say now for all of us the music was enough. "You took us on your adventure - an adventure that started it all. I am truly heartbroken. You were the greatest of all time." Ozzy Osbourne's iconic career The singer then pursued his love of music after hearing The Beatles hit She Loves You in 1963, aged 15. After appearing in a handful of school plays, Ozzy joined Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler in their first group Rare Breed in 1967. When that band split, the pair reunited in Polka Tulk Blues alongside Tony Iommi and drummer Bill Ward. The group later became known as Black Sabbath and went onto shatter the music world with their whining guitar solos, Occult-based lyrics and Ozzy's screeching vocals. In 1970, the group gained a cult following in both the US and UK after releasing their eponymous first album. Black Sabbath saw incredible success with hit tracks such as Paranoid but discord in the group saw most of the original line-up leave. Ozzy himself quit the band in 1978, with a spiral into drug abuse leading to a divorce from first wife Thelma Mayfair, who he had two children with. It was then he first met a young Sharon Arden, who Ozzy at first wrote off as he believed she would think he was a "lunatic". But the singer could not be more wrong and the pair married in Hawaii in July 1982 before going on to have three children together, Aimee, Kelly and Jack. With Sharon's encouragement and help from her music manager dad Don, he began to carve out a successful solo career. His seminal first album Blizzard of Ozz in 1980 became a multi-platinum success thanks to Ozzy's howling vocals and macabre laugh on hit Crazy Train. Coupled with the Prince of Darkness' insane tour that saw him bite the head off a live bat, a string of successful tracks followed - cementing Ozzy as a rock legend around the world. In 1992, the singer announced his retirement but four years later created the beloved annual music festival Ozzfest with Sharon, which featured heavy metal acts touring the US and some of Europe. Ozzy returned to Black Sabbath in 1999, with the band winning a Grammy for best metal performance for the song Iron Man. They later earned the same award in 2013 after releasing single God Is Dead? from album 13. Queen icon Sir Brian May also paid tribute, saying Ozzy's final concert earlier in the month "was a glorious way to say goodbye" to the heavy metal vocalist. The guitarist said on social media: "So sad to hear of Ozzie's passing. "His last appearance at Villa Park was a glorious way to say goodbye - the love in that place for him was gigantic. "I'm grateful I was able to have a few quiet words with him after the show. And happy to know he passed peacefully with his loving family close by." He added: "But the world will miss Ozzie's unique presence and fearless talent. My heartfelt consolations to Sharon and their great family. "And to Bill (Ward) and Geezer (Butler) and my dear friend Tony (Iommi) - for this is family - I know only too well. REST IN PEACE dear Ozzie. Bri."
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
What to know about Parkinson's disease following Ozzy Osbourne's death
Ozzy Osbourne, lead singer of the legendary heavy metal rock band Black Sabbath, died this week at age 76. Although Osbourne's cause of death hasn't yet been publicly released, he revealed in an exclusive interview with "Good Morning America" in 2020 that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in February of the previous year. "There's so many different types of Parkinson's. It's not a death sentence by any stretch of the imagination but it does affect certain nerves in your body," Osbourne's wife, Sharon, said during the interview. "And it's like you have a good day, a good day, and then a really bad day." Here's what you need to know about Parkinson's, including what are the symptoms, how it's diagnosed and what treatments are available. MORE: White House doctor offers explanation for Parkinson's expert's visits What is Parkinson's disease? Parkinson's is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the weakening of nerve cells, which become damaged and die, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). The most significant loss of neurons occurs in an area near the base of the brain called the substantia nigra, NINDS said. The neurons in the substantia nigra produce dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that plays a vital role in controlling movement. "As we grow older, all of us lose dopamine but the people who develop Parkinson's disease lose it faster," Dr. Osama Abu-Hadid, a neurologist specializing in movement disorders at New Jersey's Hackensack Meridian Neuroscience Institute at Hackensack University Medical Center, told ABC News. Parkinson's affects more than 1.1 million people in the U.S., according to the Parkinson's Foundation. That figure is expected to reach 1.2 million by 2030. "Generally, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease have been on the increase because people are living longer," Abu-Hadid said. There currently are no specific tests to diagnose Parkinson's disease. The diagnosis is clinical based on a physician's review of a patient's medical history and by performing a physical examination. What are the symptoms of Parkinson's disease? Progression of Parkinson's disease symptoms typically occurs slowly over several years and can vary from person to person, according to the Parkinson's Foundation. Typically, symptoms begin on one side of the body. While Parkinson's will eventually affect both sides of the body, one side will generally exhibit more severe symptoms than the other, according to NINDS. MORE: Parkinson's expert visited White House 8 times in 8 months, met with Biden's doctor Symptoms of Parkinson's can include tremors, muscle stiffness, slowing of spontaneous movement, and problems with gait and balance. Patients may also experience difficulty chewing and swallowing or changes in speech. Some patients can also develop non-motor symptoms, including constipation, hallucinations, depression, loss of smell and sleep problems, Abu-Hadid said. What Parkinson's disease treatments are available? Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson's, but physical therapy can help slow progression of the disease and a healthy diet can promote overall well-being, according to Abu-Hadid. However, there are medications that may improve some Parkinson's symptoms. These include drugs that increase the level of dopamine in the brain, drugs that interact with other neurotransmitters to help ease some symptoms, and medications that can help control the non-motor symptoms, according to NINDS. If medications aren't working, "procedural options include deep brain stimulation, which is an electrode, or electrodes, that are placed in the brain by a neurosurgeon, and then a physician like myself programs the electrodes to give electricity in a certain way," Abu-Hadid said. The electrodes can stimulate the brain and help block signals that cause the motor symptoms of Parkinson's, according to NINDS.
The Independent
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Ozzy Osbourne fans remember Birmingham star who was ‘a big part of our lives'
Fans of Ozzy Osbourne have paid tribute to the Birmingham music star who they say was 'a big part of our lives'. The heavy metal vocalist, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2019, died at the age of 76 on Tuesday morning surrounded by his family. Christine Turner, from the Hodge Hill area of Birmingham, wore her Aston Villa football shirt to pay tribute to Osbourne at the Black Sabbath mural in the city. She said her father was a childhood friend of the rock star and they used to play football together in Lodge Road, where they grew up. She told the PA news agency: 'He has been a big part of our lives, my dad was childhood best mates with him, so I've come up to pay my respects.' When asked how she felt when she heard he had died, she said: 'Shocked. I think deep in our hearts we knew it was coming, but it was still a shock last night. 'I was supposed to have done the washing last night but it didn't get done after I found out at about quarter past seven. 'I was upset, tears were shed last night.' Jimmy Smith, from Bristol, who was in the city to visit the Ozzy Osbourne exhibition at Birmingham Museum, stopped at the scene on Wednesday morning to pay his respects. He told PA: 'I did like Ozzy, I saw him a few times back in the day. It was quite sad yesterday (when he died), but with the concert at Villa Park a few weeks back, I had a feeling it was coming. It felt like his final bow. 'I was up here a few weeks ago for the Iron Maiden concert so I knew the mural was here, so I thought I would come and have a look, and I'll also go to the Black Sabbath bridge before going to the museum.' Two Black Sabbath fans from King's Norton jumped on a train to visit the mural of the band in Birmingham to pay their respects to Osbourne following his death. Megan and Mia, who did not want to give their surnames, said they wished they had been able to go to Osbourne's last show at Villa Park on July 5. Megan said: 'It was really sad and heart-breaking (to hear he had died), I think I was expecting it to happen soon but not that quick.' When asked how it felt to visit the mural after Ozzy's death, Mia said: 'It's surreal but it's nice that people have put flowers out.' Mia added that she believed the next Aston Villa football game would be 'even more packed than usual' in Osbourne's memory. She said: 'I know there will be some form of respects paid to him at the game, definitely.' Osbourne played a final farewell concert in front of a home crowd at Villa Park earlier in the month. Black Sabbath were the last to appear on stage as part of a star-studded line-up for the Back To The Beginning concert that took place not far from the Crown pub where they played their first gig in 1968. Also paying his respects was Black Sabbath's first manager, Jim Simpson, who spoke on Broad Street, where dozens of fans had gathered to pay tribute to the rock legend. When asked how he felt when he heard the news Osbourne had died, Mr Simpson said: 'Deep sadness, but no surprise, because it's been on the cards for quite a long time. 'He even said beforehand that he expected to die on the stage at the July the fifth show at Villa Park. The world's lost an inordinately nice, balanced, human being.' Referencing the amount of people who had turned up to pay tribute to Osbourne following his death, he said: 'The fact is, there are people here who are 80 years of age or eight years of age and all stages in between and it shows he had a remarkable way of contacting people. 'It has been 55 years and still (Black Sabbath) are more popular than ever. 'It is remarkable and they have all done a great job and they should be proud of themselves.' Black Sabbath, comprised of vocalist Osbourne, drummer Bill Ward, guitarist Tony Iommi, and bassist Terence 'Geezer' Butler, formed in 1968 and were credited with shaping the heavy metal genre. The group were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 and Osbourne was added for a second time, as a solo artist, last year. In the noughties he featured in MTV series The Osbournes, which followed the lives of him, his wife Sharon and two of their children, Kelly and Jack.
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ozzy Osbourne fans remember Birmingham star who was ‘a big part of our lives'
Fans of Ozzy Osbourne have paid tribute to the Birmingham music star who they say was 'a big part of our lives'. The heavy metal vocalist, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2019, died at the age of 76 on Tuesday morning surrounded by his family. Christine Turner, from the Hodge Hill area of Birmingham, wore her Aston Villa football shirt to pay tribute to Osbourne at the Black Sabbath mural in the city. She said her father was a childhood friend of the rock star and they used to play football together in Lodge Road, where they grew up. She told the PA news agency: 'He has been a big part of our lives, my dad was childhood best mates with him, so I've come up to pay my respects.' When asked how she felt when she heard he had died, she said: 'Shocked. I think deep in our hearts we knew it was coming, but it was still a shock last night. 'I was supposed to have done the washing last night but it didn't get done after I found out at about quarter past seven. 'I was upset, tears were shed last night.' Jimmy Smith, from Bristol, who was in the city to visit the Ozzy Osbourne exhibition at Birmingham Museum, stopped at the scene on Wednesday morning to pay his respects. He told PA: 'I did like Ozzy, I saw him a few times back in the day. It was quite sad yesterday (when he died), but with the concert at Villa Park a few weeks back, I had a feeling it was coming. It felt like his final bow. 'I was up here a few weeks ago for the Iron Maiden concert so I knew the mural was here, so I thought I would come and have a look, and I'll also go to the Black Sabbath bridge before going to the museum.' Two Black Sabbath fans from King's Norton jumped on a train to visit the mural of the band in Birmingham to pay their respects to Osbourne following his death. Megan and Mia, who did not want to give their surnames, said they wished they had been able to go to Osbourne's last show at Villa Park on July 5. Megan said: 'It was really sad and heart-breaking (to hear he had died), I think I was expecting it to happen soon but not that quick.' When asked how it felt to visit the mural after Ozzy's death, Mia said: 'It's surreal but it's nice that people have put flowers out.' Mia added that she believed the next Aston Villa football game would be 'even more packed than usual' in Osbourne's memory. She said: 'I know there will be some form of respects paid to him at the game, definitely.' Osbourne played a final farewell concert in front of a home crowd at Villa Park earlier in the month. Black Sabbath were the last to appear on stage as part of a star-studded line-up for the Back To The Beginning concert that took place not far from the Crown pub where they played their first gig in 1968. Also paying his respects was Black Sabbath's first manager, Jim Simpson, who spoke on Broad Street, where dozens of fans had gathered to pay tribute to the rock legend. When asked how he felt when he heard the news Osbourne had died, Mr Simpson said: 'Deep sadness, but no surprise, because it's been on the cards for quite a long time. 'He even said beforehand that he expected to die on the stage at the July the fifth show at Villa Park. The world's lost an inordinately nice, balanced, human being.' Referencing the amount of people who had turned up to pay tribute to Osbourne following his death, he said: 'The fact is, there are people here who are 80 years of age or eight years of age and all stages in between and it shows he had a remarkable way of contacting people. 'It has been 55 years and still (Black Sabbath) are more popular than ever. 'It is remarkable and they have all done a great job and they should be proud of themselves.' Black Sabbath, comprised of vocalist Osbourne, drummer Bill Ward, guitarist Tony Iommi, and bassist Terence 'Geezer' Butler, formed in 1968 and were credited with shaping the heavy metal genre. The group were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 and Osbourne was added for a second time, as a solo artist, last year. In the noughties he featured in MTV series The Osbournes, which followed the lives of him, his wife Sharon and two of their children, Kelly and Jack.
