Latest news with #JanOmdahl
CNN
06-06-2025
- Health
- CNN
Morten Harket, lead singer of a-ha, has Parkinson's disease
Morten Harket has revealed he 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.
CNN
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
Morten Harket, lead singer of a-ha, has Parkinson's disease
Morten Harket has revealed he 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.
Daily Record
05-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
10 early signs of Parkinson's as Ah-ha star Morten Harket announces diagnosis
The neurodegenerative disease has an extensive list of over 40 symptoms, which often go unnoticed for some time before diagnosis. The lead singer of hit 1980s band A-ha, Morten Harket has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The Norwegian group informed fans of the news via an update on their website that said he had been "battling his own body". An interview with the 65-year-old was also posted on the band's website, where he revealed he had kept the diagnosis quiet for a period of time before making the announcement. He says he has come to terms with his Parkinson's diagnosis. In conversation with the band's biographer Jan Omdahl, 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.' 'Part of me wanted to reveal it. Like I said, 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. "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.' But as the star makes headlines, questions are being raised on the complicated condition of Parkinson's, its causes, and its symptoms. With over 40 symptoms, the condition can manifest in a variety of ways, and many remain unaware of some of the lesser-known early signs of Parkinson's. So, here's everything you need to know about the neurodegenerative disease. What is Parkinson's and how common is it? Around 13,000 people in Scotland alone have a diagnosis of Parkinson's, which is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world. Parkinson's develops when brain cells that produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter which plays a crucial role in motor control, stop working. As a progressive condition, Parkinson's can significantly impact quality of life and can reduce life expectancy. However, with treatment, the likelihood of it shortening a patient's lifespan can be reduced. What are the early symptoms of Parkinson's? As a degenerative disease, catching Parkinson's early can make all the difference in terms of treatment and maintaining a good quality of life. But as there are over 40 official symptoms, many early signs can be easily overlooked. Better known symptoms of the disease include tremors in the hands and pain in the body, but there are other signs of the condition that many remain unaware of. For example, changes in handwriting can indicate cognitive decline, as can diminished facial expressions, caused by slow or stiff facial muscles. This can cause friends and family to struggle to read the person's mood from their facial expressions, and is an early indicator that something is wrong. Depression and anxiety, while not exclusively linked to Parkinson's, are also early indicators of the condition that are easily brushed off. A change or loss to sense of smell is another lesser-known symptom of the disease that can manifest early. Here is a full list of ten early signs of Parkinson's to keep an eye out for, as shared by HCA Healthcare UK. 10 early signs of Parkinson's Pain Anxiety Trouble with balance Stiffness Losing your sense of smell Trouble with sleeping and fatigue Tremor Depression Smaller handwriting and slowness of movement Diminished facial expressions Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Daily Mail
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Early warning signs of Parkinson's disease no one should ignore - as 80s pop legend shocks fans with diagnosis
A-ha frontman Morten Harket has announced that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, as he comes to terms with the uncertainty of his artistic future. The lead-singer of the Norwegian pop group, 65, said he had been experiencing vocal issues due to the neurological condition. 'The problems with my voice are one of many grounds for uncertainty about my creative future. 'I don't feel like singing, and for me that's a sign,' he said in an interview with biographer Jan Omdahl posted to the band's website. Parkinson's is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, affecting around 153,000 people in the UK alone. There is no current cure for the disease. Here, MailOnline reveals some of the warning signs of the crippling disease, which Harket is determined to work through, ahead of the release of new music. Parkinson's is caused by the death of nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine, which controls movement. The condition is on the rise in the UK and the US, which is thought to be caused by a rapidly aging population, environmental toxins and lifestyle choices such as smoking. In the UK, there are about 18,000 new diagnoses every year in people 45 and older. However, knowing the symptoms of Parkinson's can lead to earlier diagnosis and better access to treatments that significantly improve a sufferer's quality of life. Harket said: 'I'm trying the best I can to prevent my entire system from going into decline. 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,' the singer added. 'I really like the idea of just going for it, as a Parkinson's patient and an artist, with something completely outside the box. It's all up to me, I just have to get this out of the way first.' He told his fans not to worry about him and instead to 'spend [their] energy and effort addressing real problems, and know that [he is] being taken care of'. Tremors A tremor or shaking is one of the most well-known signs of Parkinson's, alongside slowness of movement and stiffness, and can be one of the first symptoms to appear. Parkinson's disease is a progressive movement disorder in which the brain can't produce enough dopamine—a neurotransmitter that controls movement. A lack of dopamine leads to issues like tremors, falls and mobility issues. According to Parkinson's UK, a tremor caused by Parkinson's can appear in two ways, known as a resting tremor and an action tremor. The most common tremor happens when the body is still and relaxed and will trigger a rolling movement between the thumb and index finger—known as a 'pill rolling rest tremor'. An action tremor however is most noticeable when a sufferer is holding something, and their hand begins to shake. Although there is no cure for tremors, there are ways of managing the symptom, including physiotherapy—such as squeezing a ball—medication, stress relief and deep brain simulation. In 2024, Harket underwent surgery to try and control some of the symptoms of Parkinson's, including tremor. The procedure involves implanting electrodes into the brain, which connect to a small device—similar to a pacemaker—placed into the chest that stimulates the brain by sending electrical impulses through the electrodes. Slow movements Slowness of movement and speed—medically known as bradykinesia—is another common symptom of Parkinson's and involves walking with short, shuffling steps. This can affect every aspect of a patient's life, from daily activities such as paying for items, walking to the bus and getting dressed. It can also lead to smaller movements—such as not smiling as widely as normal, difficulties swallowing and a lack of coordination. Bradykinesia is also caused by reduced dopamine levels in the brain, which impacts the way the muscles work. According to Parkinson's Foundation, a person must have bradykinesia plus either a tremor or rigidity for a Parkinson's diagnosis to be considered. Muscle stiffness Rigidity is another symptom of Parkinson's that can prevent the muscles from stretching and relaxing properly, which can cause pain and muscle cramps as well as problems with balance. Tell-tale signs of this symptom include difficulty swinging the arms—due to the muscles being too tight—getting out of chairs and turning over in bed. Problems with breathing and speaking clearly can also be a sign of the incurable disease, as rigidity spreads to the chest muscles and makes them weak. This can lead to breathing issues and other respiratory problems like chest infections. Rigidity can also stop your facial muscles working properly, limiting your range of facial expressions. Medically known as hypomimia, this can make it look like a patient has a blank expression, even when they are experiencing strong emotions. However, according to Parkinson's UK, people with Parkinson's may also experience apathy and problems with motivation meaning they may not react to emotions in the same way they used to. Loss of smell Up to 95 per cent of Parkinson's sufferers experience a loss or reduction in their sense of smell—known as anosmia. And symptoms can start years before any other symptoms develop, says Parkinson's UK. But loss of smell can affect people in different ways, with some losing or gaining weight as they can no longer smell food, while it may hit others' mood. For some, it can be subtle and only dampen their smell, while others may struggle to smell at all. It can also lead to safety concerns, with sufferers struggling to smell burning, for example. Research suggests that the symptoms is caused by part of the brain responsible for processing smells—known as the olfactory bulb— being smaller in some people who have the disease. Studies have also found that in Parkinson's patients, there is a build-up of alpha-synuclein — a protein found in dopamine-producing cells—in this part of the brain. In Parkinson's patients, the proteins become tangled and form clumps, which experts believe may spread the disease throughout the brain. Bladder and bowel problems Getting up in the night to go to the toilet can plague many people as they age. But it is also another early sign of the Parkinson's. Going to the bathroom more than once or twice a night—medically known as nocturia— could be a sign of an overactive bladder, which has been linked with the disease. The feeling of needing to urinate immediately, at times without warning, and struggling to 'hold on', may also be a symptom. Constipation is also a symptom of the disease, as slowness of movement and rigidity —tell-tale signs of the condition—can affect the muscles in the bowel wall, meaning that waste products are not moved along in the bowel. Eating problems as a result of difficulty with chewing and swallowing food, can also cause constipation, as fibre is needed to help keep the stool soft and easy to pass. Depression and anxiety Feelings of extreme sadness for a long period of time could be a sign of depression, which is common in people with Parkinson's, though it is not yet fully understood why. In some cases, these feelings occur months before other symptoms are revealed. Research suggests that a lack of dopamine, a 'feel-good' hormone, can be a trigger for depression, worry and anxiety. Additionally, some patients may find they are not able to socialise as much as they used to, leading to loneliness and isolation, increasing the risk of depression. But, the charity also notes that being diagnosed with Parkinson's itself can be very stressful, which can cause these feeling to arise.
ABC News
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
A-ha frontman Morten Harket diagnosed with Parkinson's disease
A-ha lead singer Morten Harket has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The news was announced on Wednesday on the Norwegian band's official website, written by their biographer Jan Omdahl. In the statement, it was revealed Harket, 65, had already undergone several rounds of brain surgery and had "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," he said. "I use whatever works." His diagnosis had until now, remained strictly private, but for a few people in his immediate circle. When asked why he held off making an announcement, Harket replied it was so he could focus on the "delicate balancing act" of managing his symptoms with medication and advanced neurological treatment. While Harket has been able to manage the condition for now, it has been affecting his voice, raising uncertainty for his creative future. When biographer Omdahl asked if Harket thinks if he could sing right now, his response was: "I don't really know. "I don't feel like singing, and for me that's a sign. "I don't expect to be able to achieve full technical control. "The question is whether I can express myself with my voice. As things stand now, that's out of the question." While Parkinson's can be treated with surgery and medication, there is no current cure. In June 2024, the singer successfully underwent a neurological procedure called deep brain stimulation (DBS) in which electrodes were implanted in the left side of his brain, connected to a pace-maker like device. Six months later, he had the same procedure on the right side. "I'm trying the best I can to prevent my entire system from going into decline," Harket said. When asked what he'd say to A-ha fans now, he replied: "Don't worry about me. "Spend your energy and effort addressing real problems, and know that I am being taken care of." Formed in 1982 by Harket and his friends Paul Waaktaar-Savoy and Magne Furuholmen, the band are best known for their hits Take On Me and The Sun Always Shines on TV, which featured in their debut album Hunting High and Low. In a post on Instagram, Furuholmen said his thoughts were with his band mate and his family at a "difficult time". "The news brings sadness, but it is worth to remember through the hurt there is also a lot of gratitude," he wrote. "For all the amazing how lucky we are that people continue to find meaning, hope and joy in our shared musical legacy." Other stars including Michael J. Fox, Ozzy Osbourne, Alan Alda and Billy Connolly have all spoken about their experience with the progressive disease. According to Health Direct, Parkinson's disease occurs when the "nerve cells in the brain don't make enough of a body chemical called dopamine, which affects movement and mood". Dopamine plays a vital role in regulating the smooth control of muscles and movement, and so typical symptoms can include tremors, stiff and inflexible muscles and slow movement.
