Billy Joel is sharing a health update after announcing he was diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus last year.
On Billy Joel’s SiriusXM Channel, the 77-year-old singer said he was doing better after undergoing brain surgery to help relieve some of the symptoms of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH).
“I just want people to know, don’t worry about me. I’m not going anywhere. I’m here. I’m still here,” he said, adding that he was “fine.”
Vein the singer said that his neurologist recommended that he have a shunt implanted in his brain to prevent his condition from worsening.
Joel said he was reluctant to have surgery at first, but realized it would help him improve his balance and memory.
“But then I read about it and realized it could help improve your balance and memory,” Joel said. “You know, I don’t want to lose my marbles. It’s hard to tell what age and what condition, so I agreed to get a shunt and had the operation.”
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“So they implanted a shunt in my brain and it really improved things. My memory is better, my balance is a little better, my ability to function is better,” he continued. “I realized that because of my job, which is playing rock ‘n’ roll music very loudly, every time I performed I got something like a concussion.”
“It damaged my brain nerves and I could lose more brain cells the more performances I did, and I realized that meant I shouldn’t do this right now. I need to improve. They don’t want me to push myself too hard.” Girl from the outskirts the singer added.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, NPH results from excess accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain, leading to cognitive problems, difficulty walking and loss of bladder control. It is often mistaken for Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease.
The disorder primarily affects people aged 60 to 70 years. Its symptoms resemble those of dementia and can sometimes be reversible.
Last May Pianist the singer announced that he had been diagnosed with NPH and was undergoing treatment.
A statement posted on Joel’s social media said the condition had been “aggravated by recent concert performances, resulting in hearing, vision and balance problems.”
“Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy as directed by his doctor and has been advised to refrain from exercising during this recovery period,” the statement said. “Billy is grateful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritizing his health.”
“I am truly sorry that I disappointed our audience and thank you for your understanding,” Joel said.
Following his diagnosis, Joel returned to the stage for the first time in January and surprised audiences at a Florida amphitheater with a two-song set.
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