Singer Tony Bennett Loses Fight with Alzheimer's

Tony Bennett, a cherished icon with one of the most distinctive voices in American pop music history, passed away on Friday, July 21, 2023, at 96, just shy of his birthday, as announced by his publicist Sylvia Weiner. Bennett's death occurred in his hometown of New York.

You knew him for songs like "I Left My Heart in San Francisco," Tony Bennett had revealed through the AARP that he had Alzheimer's since 2015.  

Bennett sold over 50 million records had announced in 2021 that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Bennett, who was 95 years old then, said that he was "determined to keep doing what I love" and would continue to perform as long as he could.

His diagnosis came as a shock to many, but it was not entirely unexpected. He had been open about his struggles with memory loss in recent years, and he had even canceled some concerts due to his health. Despite his diagnosis, Bennett had remained active in the music world. He released an album of duets with Lady Gaga in 2021 and has continued to perform occasional concerts. In 2022, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden.

The Chicago Tribune editorial page wrote that Bennett had struggled to remember names and faces, but the paper noted that when he started to sing, he went on autopilot, "the familiar smile returning to his face and the notes and even the lyrics flowing like good wine." 

For anyone who watched his late-in-life work with Lady Gaga, here was a remarkable example of someone who showed the world one of the oft-forgotten truths about a condition that afflicts so many Americans: People with advanced levels of dementia still can contribute a great deal, especially if it is something they have done for years.

Nearly 50 million people worldwide have Alzheimer's disease or related dementia, according to the Alzheimer's Association. This number is expected to rise to 150 million by 2050 as the population ages. Alzheimer's is a common affliction, affecting one in ten people 65 and older. Most people who have Alzheimer's are women. The majority of people with dementia are older, but a growing number of people have early-onset Alzheimer's disease, primarily because of better diagnosis of the condition.

The symptoms of Alzheimer's can vary, but they typically include memory loss, difficulty thinking and problem-solving, changes in personality and behavior, and difficulty with language. There is no cure for Alzheimer's, but there are treatments that can help to manage the symptoms.

Family Revealed in AARP Interview

A feature report published by AARP magazine had revealed his condition to the world. Bennett thanked AARP at the time on Twitter for letting him tell his story. 

"Life is a gift -- even with Alzheimer's. Thank you to Susan and my family for their support and @AARP The Magazine for telling my story," he wrote.

Social media has reacted to this revelation.

The AARP story said at the time, he had been spared the disorientation that often causes people to wander from home. Plus, Bennett has not had any terror, rage, or depression episodes that often go along with the disease. 

His singing and his music have been benefiting him, slowing the progression of the condition. Bennett has been able to perform, being confused just before a performance, but when the announcer introduces him, he can get into performance mode.

Music Helped Bennett and Others With Dementia

Music is a powerful medicine for many with dementia, according to Dan Cohen, MSW principal of Right to Music that advocates for the widespread adoption of personal music for caring for those with dementia.

Staying connected with our favorite songs is calming, enjoyable, and helps reduce feelings of isolation and depression. This, in turn, reduces caregiver stress. If persons who are moving through the stages of dementia are calmer and caregivers are not overwhelmed, the need to find a long-term care facility is reduced.

Cohen explains that some parts of the brain remain relatively intact, allowing people with dementia to still enjoy their favorite music. This could explain how Bennett is functioning reasonably well, especially when performing his favorite songs. The precise mechanism that causes music to have this type of impact remains a mystery, and Cohen says music therapy for those with dementia works most of the time.

There is no downside to trying; no side effects if it doesn't work. The key is keeping the music personal, true favorites.

Perceived Sigma

The family had previously kept quiet about his condition, largely due to the societal stigma attached to the disease. However, as an increasing number of Americans reach their 60s and 70s — the typical age range for initial signs of cognitive decline — it becomes difficult to overlook the issue.

Families often find themselves stepping in to provide the necessary care and supervision for loved ones experiencing cognitive decline. A common misconception is that health insurance, including Medicare, covers this type of long-term health care — which it does not. Consequently, families either become caregivers, drain assets for professional care services, or experience a combination of both.

Long-Term Care Insurance stands alone in offering benefits for dementia and other long-term healthcare needs that arise from changes in one's health, physical state, and mental well-being.

Caregiving is Physically and Emotionally Draining on Family

Providing care is a task that comes with considerable physical and emotional demands. Adult children frequently find themselves in a role reversal, essentially becoming their parents' parents. The added responsibility of caregiving for a mother or father can lead to a multitude of challenges, especially when trying to balance their own career and familial duties.

Professional long-term care services carry a high price tag, and these costs are continually escalating due to increased demand and a dwindling pool of caregivers. You can utilize the LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator to gain insight into the present and anticipated cost of long-term care.

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Bennett One of a Growing List of Celebrities with Memory Problems

Tony Bennett's Alzheimer's disease and his death continue to bring attention to the growing number of celebrities who have had to address memory problems.

In recent years, several well-known figures have revealed that they have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia, including:

• Gene Wilder: The actor, best known for his roles in "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" and "Young Frankenstein," was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2013. He died in 2016.
• Mary Tyler Moore: The actress, best known for her role in the sitcom "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2014. She died in 2017.
• Muhammad Ali: The boxer, who was known as "The Greatest," was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1984. He was later diagnosed with dementia pugilistica, a form of brain damage that is often associated with boxing. He died in 2016.

These are just a few of the many celebrities who have been diagnosed with memory problems. As the population ages, the number of people with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia is expected to increase. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of these conditions so that you can get an early diagnosis and treatment.

Signs and Symptoms of Memory Problems

The signs and symptoms of memory problems can vary, and families should pay attention to these signs in their older loved ones. These signs include:

• Forgetting recent events
• Having trouble remembering names
• Getting lost in familiar places
• Having difficulty making decisions
• Losing track of conversations
• Repeating oneself
• Having trouble finding words

Of course, we, too, are getting older. Today we can plan for the financial costs and burdens of aging with affordable Long-Term Care Insurance. However, because of medical underwriting, you should consider adding an LTC policy before you retire. Most people do so in their 40s or 50s.