- by Chloe Kim
- BBC News, London
image source, Getty Images
Richard Lewis said in a video on Sunday that he’s finished with stand-up
Comedian Richard Lewis spoke about his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis on Twitter video Share it on Sunday.
He said he was diagnosed two years ago and has been dealing with his health privately until now.
Mr. Lewis just wrapped the “amazing” 12th season of the comedy Curb Your Enthusiasm, in which he’s been a regular.
Although he will not continue with stand-up, he has said he plans to continue acting and writing.
“I’m done with stand-up,” he said, “I’m just concentrating on writing and acting.” “I have Parkinson’s disease but I’m under a doctor’s care, everything is great and I love my wife, I love my little puppy dog and I love all my friends and fans.”
The 75-year-old said he has had a “tough time” with his health over the past three-and-a-half years.
He has had four “back-to-back” surgeries – including back and shoulder surgery – saying “It’s bad luck but that’s life”.
Then after all the surgeries, he “began to walk a little stiffly” and “drag” his feet so he went to see a neurologist.
Brain scan. About two years ago, it was revealed that Mr. Lewis had Parkinson’s disease.
He said he’s lucky he’s late in life, and that he’s on the right medication.
Mr. Lewis only appeared in one episode in the eleventh season of Curb Your Enthusiasm.
“I guess I just wanted you to know that’s where it is,” he said.
Parkinson’s disease “is a progressive disorder caused by the degeneration of nerve cells in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra, which controls movement,” according to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons.
Tremors and slowed movement are common, as well as speech changes and poor balance.
There is no cure for this disease, but medications can improve symptoms.
The cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown, and while it can be genetic, the environment and previous health conditions may also affect it.
Most people are diagnosed at age 60 or older.
Actor Michael J. Fox, who was diagnosed at the age of 29, and singer Neil Diamond also have Parkinson’s disease.
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