Family of legendary singer Tony Bennett opens up about his Alzheimer's diagnosis

Legendary singer Tony Bennett, 94, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2016. Bennett continued to tour and record music even after his diagnosis, as was recommended by his neurologist. Further, "because of music's 'peculiar power' to rouse deep memories in dementia patients, 'audiences and critics never suspected his condition. 

Bennett had been recording and touring until the coronavirus pandemic. Since Bennett stopped touring and doing live performances, his condition has worsened. 

"Just how therapeutically beneficial performing had been for Tony soon became obvious when his world shrank to the confines of his apartment," Dr. Gayatri Devi, Bennett's neurologist, told the magazine.

"Describing him as free today from some of the condition's worst symptoms — anger, disorientation — the magazine noted that there is still "little doubt that the disease had progressed."

Bennett's caregivers have alleged that it is clear that the disease has progressed. Apparently, a fork and set of housekeeps were "utterly mysterious to him."

See Tim Fitzsimons,  Family of legendary singer Tony Bennett opens up about his Alzheimer's diagnosis, NBC News, February 1, 2021. 

Special thanks to David S. Luber (Florida Probate Attorney) for bringing this article to my attention.