Morten Harket, lead singer of a-ha, has Parkinson's disease
The singer of a-ha, the band behind the 1985 hit and innovatively animated music video 'Take On Me,' shared the news during an interview with the group's biographer.
'I've got no problem accepting the diagnosis,' Harket said. '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, 65, explained why he wanted to share his diagnosis publicly.
'Acknowledging the diagnosis wasn't a problem for me; it's my need for peace and quiet to work that has been stopping me. I'm trying the best I can to prevent my entire system from going into decline,' he said. '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.'
According to Mayo Clinic, 'Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder of the nervous system that worsens over time.'
Harket had 'advanced brain surgery' at the Mayo Clinic, which along with medication, 'have softened the impact of his symptoms,' the a-ha biographer, Jan Omdahl, wrote.
'In June 2024, Morten underwent a neurosurgical procedure in which electrodes were implanted deep inside the left side of his brain. These are connected to a small pacemaker-like device placed under the skin of the upper chest that sends electrical impulses through the electrodes into the brain,' Omdahl wrote. 'The method is called deep brain stimulation (DBS) and is among the most advanced treatments in neurology. The procedure had the desired effect: with the right electrical impulses now reaching Morten's brain, many of his physical symptoms practically vanished. In December 2024 he underwent a similar procedure on the right side of his brain, which was also successful.'
Harket's voice, however, has been affected, he said.
'The problems with my voice are one of many grounds for uncertainty about my creative future,' Harket said.
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Even walking at a slow pace is better than being stationary at home, but a faster pace will also hasten the health benefits. A 2019 study in Atherosclerosis found that "walking pace was inversely associated with the risk of death and development of cardiovascular disease" in male physicians with an average age of 67.8. In other words, the faster you walk, the lower your risk of death and cardiovascular disease. Regarding how long you should walk, the US Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week, or 30 minutes a day for five days, for substantial health benefits. This can include walking briskly at 2.5 mph to 4 mph. Walking at a slow or leisurely pace (2 mph or less) is considered a light-intensity activity, which is likely to produce some health benefits compared to sedentary behavior, but not as many benefits as walking health benefits of walking There are many health benefits to walking. Not only can the activity lower cortisol levels, like all forms of exercise, and give you some fresh air, but you may see various tangible improvements in the following health indicators: Better sleep. Low-impact physical activity can lead to more fitful sleep. One small 2020 study published in Sleep Health found that increasing daily steps led to better quality sleep, especially among women. Low-impact physical activity can lead to more fitful sleep. One small 2020 study published in Sleep Health found that increasing daily steps led to better quality sleep, especially among women. Lower risk of type 2 diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, walking at least 30 minutes per day could help you stave off type 2 diabetes. Increasing your daily step count may keep your glucose levels in check. According to the American Diabetes Association, walking at least 30 minutes per day could help you stave off type 2 diabetes. Increasing your daily step count may keep your glucose levels in check. Lower blood pressure. A 2022 study from the American Family Physician reported that a regular walking schedule with moderate intensity can lower systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate. A 2022 study from the American Family Physician reported that a regular walking schedule with moderate intensity can lower systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate. Improved balance. Remaining steady on your feet is increasingly important for your health as you age. Harvard Health Publishing states that walking builds lower body strength, which improves balance. Remaining steady on your feet is increasingly important for your health as you age. Harvard Health Publishing states that walking builds lower body strength, which improves balance. Lower risk of cancer. Walking may even reduce your risk of some cancers. A 2013 study out of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that postmenopausal women who walked at least seven hours per week had a 14% lower risk of getting breast cancer than women who walked three hours or less every week. Ways to take your walking to the next level If you hit a plateau with your walking routine, you can add some intensity to your walk without having to jog or switch activities. Making your walk more rigorous could increase the number of calories burned by giving your body a new challenge. Ways to up the ante on your daily walk include: Increase the time of your walk. If you're currently walking 30 minutes a day, add more time in 10- or 15-minute intervals. Putsov recommends walking at least 45 minutes a day if your goal is weight loss. If you're currently walking 30 minutes a day, add more time in 10- or 15-minute intervals. Putsov recommends walking at least 45 minutes a day if your goal is weight loss. Increase your speed. You can also add more intensity by picking up speed. Free fitness workout apps with GPS enabled, including Nike Run Club, can help you track distance and time to calculate your pace. You can also add more intensity by picking up speed. Free fitness workout apps with GPS enabled, including Nike Run Club, can help you track distance and time to calculate your pace. Wear wrist or ankle weights. Tying on weights like Bala Bangles Tying on weights like Alternate your pace. Both CPTs we spoke to recommended walking intervals to make walking more challenging. Try walking for five minutes at a regular pace, then five minutes of speed walking, and so on. Both CPTs we spoke to recommended walking intervals to make walking more challenging. Try walking for five minutes at a regular pace, then five minutes of speed walking, and so on. Add an incline to your route. Are you walking on a flat surface for most of your route? Find a hill to increase the difficulty of your trek. You may also want to add retro-walking (walking backward) up an incline. Getty Images How to stay motivated while walking It's easy to get excited about a new workout routine initially, and it's just as natural to get bored or frustrated when you stop seeing major results. You may find music and podcasts helpful because they make time appear to pass more quickly. Just make sure that these sounds are background noise so that you can still be aware of your environment and those around you. Crowe also recommends setting clear, achievable goals. She says it can help to remind yourself about how far you've come, explaining, "Recording all achievements made during walks, whether through mobile apps or personal journals, will act as a reminder," which can push you harder next time. If going it alone is making it harder to stay on track, try walking with a partner or seeing if there is a walking club in your area. Parella says a walking buddy can increase your sense of accountability and make the experience more fun. You may also try new scenery to stay motivated during a walk. Getting some sun will increase your vitamin D intake, which may improve your mood. Walking safety tips Before you hit the sidewalk on your daily walk or hot girl walk, be sure you're well-equipped for the task. While a neighborhood or lakeside stroll may seem harmless, you still want to set yourself up for a safe return.
