Singer Billy Joel has shared an update on his health after he was diagnosed with a brain condition earlier this year. The condition can include mobility problems and dementia among its symptoms
Billy Joel has shared details about his health following news that he had been diagnosed with a brain-related condition.
He provided an update during a recent podcast appearance, including revealing one of the symptoms he’s currently dealing with. The legendary musician, 76, disclosed earlier this year that he had been diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus.
The NHS describes this condition as “uncommon” and notes it typically impacts individuals over 60, with potential symptoms including mobility issues and dementia. The Grammy Award-winning artist offered a health update during a podcast episode. Billy appeared on the latest installment of the Club Random podcast and assured host Bill Maher, 69, that he feels “fine.”
Host Bill brought up the performer’s new HBO documentary Billy Joel: And So It Goes, which premiered last week.
Bill remarked, “I learned so much about you. First of all, your health. I mean, all your fans want to know … you had something. Did we fix it?”Responding to the inquiry, Billy explained, “It’s not fixed, it’s still being worked on.” When the host commented that he “looks good” and “sounds good,” Billy elaborated about his current state: “I feel fine. My balance sucks – it’s like being on a boat.”
Billy revealed that his ailment, normal pressure hydrocephalus, was once referred to as “water on the brain.” When questioned about its origins, he admitted, “Nobody knows. They don’t know.”
He joked, “I thought it must be from drinking.” Billy then clarified that he no longer drinks, confessing: “But I used to, like a fish.”He continued, “I feel good. They keep referring to what I have as a brain disorder, so it sounds a lot worse than what I’m feeling, y’know.”
Back in March, news broke that Billy had to delay some gigs due to an undisclosed health issue at the time. He was scheduled to entertain fans at locations such as Anfield Stadium in Liverpool during his recent tour, reports the Mirror.
An official statement on his behalf announced, “[Billy’s] upcoming concert dates will be rescheduled due to a medical condition. The current tour will be postponed for four months to allow him to recover from recent surgery and to undergo physical therapy under the supervision of his doctors.”
Two months on, it came to light that he’d be scrapping all upcoming shows due to a “recent” diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), with performances said to have “exacerbated” his symptoms.At the time, a statement was released saying, “This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision and balance. Under his doctor’s instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period.”
The announcement went on, “Billy is thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritising his health. He is grateful for the support from fans during this time and looks forward to the day when he can once again take the stage.”
Billy himself issued an apology to his fans at the same time, stating, “I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding.”
