Singer Morten Harket Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease
Fans were taken aback as the legendary a-ha frontman, Morten Harket, recently revealed his battle against Parkinson's disease. In an intimate interview with Norwegian journalist Jan Omdahl, published on the official a-ha website, the 65-year-old singer shares his personal struggle with the disease for the first time.
"I've accepted the diagnosis," Harket said, adopting the Zen-like attitude of his 94-year-old father. "I work with what the body offers me." Harket, known for his introspective and thoughtful nature, has always been more intellectual than a typically flamboyant pop star.
Struggling with the Voice
A-ha's hits like "Take On Me" and "The Sun Always Shines on T.V." are beloved for Harket's distinctive voice. But the disease has taken a toll on his vocal abilities. "It feels like I can't sing anymore," he admitted candidly. Treatment with dopamine preparations presents a catch-22: without medicine, his voice weakens, but with it, other Parkinson's symptoms intensify.
Neurosurgical Breakthrough
Despite the challenges, Harket refuses to surrender. Due to the connections of his Norwegian neurologist, Dr. Christina Sundal, with the prestigious Mayo Clinic in the US, he underwent a groundbreaking neurosurgical procedure in June 2024. Electrodes were implanted deep in his brain and connected to a pacemaker-like device under his skin. The procedure has brought significant relief, with many symptoms vanishing.
Harket is planning another operation on his right brain hemisphere. When asked about the electrodes influencing his voice region, he explained the technical complexities, "We can't control it yet, but if we adjust the frequencies and direction, we might be able to manage it."
Cycling Through Challenges
Despite medical advancements, living with Parkinson's is a continuous balancing act. "It's like a never-ending roller coaster ride," Harket describes the daily ordeals the disease presents. Parkinson's affects not only his physical abilities but also his sleep and overall well-being. On difficult days, he retreats to his Norwegian coastal summer home.
Remarkably, Harket remained secretive about his condition for quite some time, fearing fan reactions and the impact on his performer image. "Seeing me now is seeing me at my worst," he declared during the interview.
"For his legions of fans worldwide, Harket urges, 'Don't fret about me. Discover who you want to be - that journey can start anew every day. Be good cultivators of nature and take care of the environment while you still can.'"
Note: If you're interested in understanding Parkinson's disease, its symptoms, and treatment options better, I can offer insights into the disease that might help you grasp the intricacies better.
I'm not going to be able to sing the way I used to due to the impact of Parkinson's disease on my vocal abilities. Despite the challenges and the complexities of the neurosurgical procedure, Morten Harket, battling Parkinson's disease, is planning another operation to manage his symptoms that include physical abilities, sleep, and overall well-being. In the midst of his medical condition, Harket encourages his fans to focus on personal growth and environmental awareness, suggesting that each day offers an opportunity for self-discovery and positive change.
