Billy Joel opens up about brain damage diagnosis
Billy Joel recently opened up about his health on the “Bill Maher Club Random” podcast, revealing his diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH).
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According to his daughter, Billy Joel is as sharp as ever in his battle with brain damage.
The “Piano Man” singer and his ex-wife Christy Brinkley’s 39-year-old daughter, Alexa Ray Joel, spoke with Fox News Digital about how her father is doing.
Despite his health challenges, Joel, 76, has no cognitive difficulties, his daughter said in an interview published Sunday, August 24th. “I haven’t seen it from him. It’s really, really not.”
According to the Cleveland Clinic, normal pressure hydrocephalus occurs when fluid buildup destroys brain function. This can affect your thoughts, concentration, memory and movement. “It’s rare for conditions like dementia, as it is often reversible,” but he says, “the chances of reversing this condition are most likely with early diagnosis and rapid treatment.”
Joel’s daughter continued to describe her father as “sharp as a tuck,” noting that he has strong memories and can still remember specific details about all of his albums.
Alexa Ray also revealed how her father is taking care of his health. In addition to going to physical therapy several times a week, he changed his diet.
“I had dinner the other day,” she told Fox News Digital. “I said, ‘Dad, what are you doing? You haven’t got steak? Are you getting chicken instead?” Similarly, this is something you’re all new here. I’m really proud of how he adjusted his habits.
Joel first shared news about the diagnosis of a brain injury in a statement in May. At the time, he cancelled his upcoming concerts as he said his condition was “improved by recent concert performances, leading to issues of hearing, vision and balance.”
“Under his doctor’s instructions, Billy has undergone certain physical therapy and is advised to refrain from implementing this recovery period,” the statement said.
Shortly after Joel announced his diagnosis, radio host Howard Stern told listeners he had dinner with the singer. “He has problems, but he said, ‘Yeah, I can tell people I won’t die,'” Stern said. “He wants people to know that. He’s just going to deal with some medical stuff.”
In July, Joel stopped by Bill Maher’s “Club Random” podcast to provide a health update. He said he feels “great” but he has difficulty with his balance. “My balance sucks,” he said. “It’s like being on a boat,” but Joel continues, “I feel good. They keep referring to what I have as a brain disorder, so it sounds much worse than what I feel.”
In a May Instagram post, singer Alexa Ray Joel praised her father as “the strongest and most resilient man I’ve ever known.” She added that he “is fully committed to fully recovering with continued physical therapy as he continues to regain his strength.”
