Singer Maureen McGovern reveals she has symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease
By Bob D'Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
Two-time Grammy Award nominee Maureen McGovern revealed that she has been diagnosed with posterior cortical atrophy and is showing symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
“The Morning After” singer, 73, made the announcement in a Facebook post and on her official website. The video begins with a montage of photographs from her career, Entertainment Tonight reported. With her signature song from 1972 playing in the background, McGovern discussed her singing and acting career that has “filled my life with joy.”
“What I do, or what I am still able to accomplish, has changed,” McGovern says in the video. “I can no longer travel or perform in live concerts. In fact, I can no longer drive -- how’s that for a kick in the butt?
“Of course, it’s a challenge. But it’s certainly not going to keep me from living my life.”
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, posterior cortical atrophy refers to gradual and progressive degeneration of the brain’s cortex, or outer layer, in the part of the brain located in the back of the head.
It also can cause difficulty with eyesight and processing visual information, according to the Mayo Clinic.
“The Morning After” made McGovern a star after she recorded the song, written by Al Kasha and Joel Hirschhorn. The song, which won an Academy Award, came from the hit disaster film, “The Poseidon Adventure.” It also earned her the first of two Emmy Award nominations -- for best new artist -- in 1973.
“We May Never Love Like This Again,” McGovern’s song from another disaster movie -- “The Towering Inferno” -- also won an Oscar for best original song. Kasha and Hirschborn also wrote the music and lyrics for the song.
“I hope you will continue to join me on these next endeavors,” McGovern said in her video. “May all your lives be filled with music.”
McGovern’s video ended with her sitting in a recording studio, performing “How Can I Keep From Singing.”
Photos: Maureen McGovern through the years Circa 1975: Singer Maureen McGovern poses for a photo, circa 1975. (GAB Archive/Redferns via Getty Images)
Photos: Maureen McGovern through the years 1982: Andy Gibb and Maureen McGovern during Maureen McGovern's Birthday Party – July 27, 1982, at The Company Restaurant in New York City. (Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
Photos: Maureen McGovern through the years 1986: Musical guest Maureen McGovern performs on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" on April 18, 1986. (Gene Arias/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)
Photos: Maureen McGovern through the years 1991: Actress Maureen McGovern attends 19th annual International Emmy Awards on November 25, 1991, at the New York Hilton Hotel in New York City. (Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
Photos: Maureen McGovern through the years 1996: Actress Maureen McGovern attends Pawprint Walk of Fame Party on February 21, 1996, at Mann Theater in Hollywood, California. (Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
Photos: Maureen McGovern through the years 2004: Performer Maureen McGovern during the 2004 Nightlife Awards Concert at Town Hall on January 12, 2004, in New York City. (Peter Kramer/Getty Images)
Photos: Maureen McGovern through the years 2005: Actress Maureen McGovern takes last bow during the opening of "Little Women – The Musical" on January 23, 2005, in New York City. (Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)
Photos: Maureen McGovern through the years 2005: Actors Sutton Foster and Maureen McGovern arrive to the after party for the opening of "Little Women – The Musical" at Tavern on the Green on January 23, 2005, in New York City. (Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)
Photos: Maureen McGovern through the years 2015: Actress/singer Maureen McGovern performs at 54 Below on March 14, 2015, in New York City. (Cindy Ord/Getty Images for 54 Below)
Photos: Maureen McGovern through the years 2015: Actress/singer Maureen McGovern poses for a photo backstage with singer Tony Bennett following her performance at 54 Below on March 14, 2015, in New York City. (Cindy Ord/Getty Images for 54 Below)