A-ha Singer Morten Harket Open About His Parkinson's Diagnosis
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Singer Morten Harket Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease.
In the 1980s, "Take On Me" became a global phenomenon, thanks to the enchanting vocals of Morten Harket. Now, the iconic singer of the legendary band a-ha has bravely revealed his battle with Parkinson's disease. Although it's been a difficult journey, the 65-year-old remains hopeful, sharing his experience in a rare interview.
Morten Harket addresses his diagnosis with an unusual calmness, mirroring the philosophy of his 94-year-old father: "I use what the organism provides me with." This approach represents the thoughtful approach the Norwegian singer has towards life.
The Struggle to Maintain a Legendary Voice
For fans of a-ha, their primary concern will undoubtedly be Harket's remarkable voice. However, the disease has had a substantial impact on his singing abilities. Harket candidly admits that he feels unable to sing as he once did.
Medication for Parkinson's can present a challenge: While it helps to alleviate some symptoms, it also risks exacerbating others, especially when it comes to voice control.
Progress Towards a Cure
Thanks to the connections of his Norwegian neurologist, Dr. Christina Sundal, with the renowned Mayo Clinic in the US, Harket received cutting-edge treatment. In June 2024, Harket underwent neurosurgical procedures involving the implantation of electrodes deep within his brain. This pacemaker-like device sends electrical impulses, improving his physical symptoms.
Future plans include a similar operation for the right hemisphere of his brain, hoping to find even greater improvements. However, technical challenges remain, such as learning to control electrodes' frequencies and direction to impact the voice region.
Balancing Life with Parkinson's
With advancements in medicine, living with Parkinson's isn't impossible. It does require a sensitive balance between treatments and their side effects. Harket describes his daily life as a constant "roller coaster ride." Maintaining his physical abilities, sleep, and overall well-being is a constant struggle.
Keeping his diagnosis a secret for many years was a concern for Harket, owing to fears about fan reactions and his image as a performer. "Don't worry about me," he finally tells his millions of fans. "Discover who you want to be - a process that can start anew every day. Be good stewards of nature and take care of the environment, while you still can."
His message is one of hope and self-discovery, urging people to cherish the present and seize new opportunities. While the road ahead may be challenging, innovations in treatment offer promise to those affected by Parkinson's.
- "I'm not going to be able to sing as I once did due to the impact of Parkinson's disease on my singing abilities," Morten Harket admits candidly.
- "The disease, Parkinson's, has posed a challenge with medications, as they help alleviate symptoms but also risks exacerbating others, particularly voice control," the legendary singer explains.
- "Living with Parkinson's, thanks to advancements in medicine, isn't impossible. It involves a delicate balance between treatments and their side effects, making life a constant 'roller coaster ride'", says Harket, echoing his personal struggle with the neurological disorder.
