Alan Alda on fighting Parkinson's with laughter
Alan Alda, now 90, is one of the country's most-beloved actors, best-known for his role as "Hawkeye" Pierce on the classic TV series "M*A*S*H." Alda talks with CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook about his challenging childhood, dealing with polio and his mother's schizophrenia; his decades of work to help scientists and health care professionals communicate more clearly; and…
Alan Alda, the renowned actor, has been using laughter as a tool to fight Parkinson's disease. The 90-year-old, who won five Emmy Awards for his work on the TV series M*A*S*H, shared his personal experience with the illness and how humor helps him cope. Alda revealed that he started experiencing symptoms of Parkinson's in 2013, including acting out his dreams, which at that time were not well-known.
Despite the diagnosis, he remains open about his condition and maintains a positive attitude. To Alda, humor is crucial in dealing with any problem, and he often finds laughter in the quirks of his illness. In a recent interview, Alda discussed his Parkinson's diagnosis and his ongoing struggle with the disease, emphasizing that it does not define him.
He finds joy in his sense of humor, which he credits for strengthening his relationship with his wife, Arlene, who has been his partner for 70 years. Despite the challenges, Alda remains hopeful and optimistic, viewing Parkinson's as a "hobby" rather than an identity.
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- Alan Alda on fighting Parkinson's with laughter cbsnews.com
