Legendary artist Bobby Womack has said he is beginning to show early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, including trouble remembering names and song lyrics.
READ: Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s: What’s The Difference?
“The doctor said, ‘You have signs of Alzheimer’s,'” Womack, 68, told Britain’s BBC Radio 6 music station. “He said it’s not bad yet but it’s going to get worse.”
He added: “How can I not remember songs that I wrote? That’s frustrating.”
The 2009 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, whose hits include “Woman’s Gotta Have It” and “If You Think You’re Lonely Now,” suffered a number of health problems in the past year.
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In March it was disclosed that he was diagnosed with colon cancer, which was later successfully treated, and he also underwent what was termed a “minor heart procedure.”
Other recent health issues included prostate cancer, pneumonia and collapsed lungs.
READ: Bobby Womack Diagnosed With Colon Cancer
The soul veteran got his start in the music business as the lead singer in the soul group The Valentinos, which he formed with his brothers, and played guitar for Sam Cooke.
He also wrote The Rolling Stones’ first chart topper in the UK, 1964’s “It’s All Over Now.”
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Alzheimers & Dementia Facts
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. The term dementia is intended to describe the spectrum of severity, ranging from the mildest to the most severe stages—regardless of the cause. According to studies, African Americans have a greater risk of Alzheimer’s than whites if another family member has suffered from it.
In addition to memory loss, early clinical symptoms will likely include:
• Confusion about the location of usually familiar places
• Taking longer to accomplish normal daily tasks
• Trouble handling money and paying bills
• Poor judgment leading to bad decisions
• Loss of spontaneity and sense of initiative
• Mood and personality changes, and increased anxiety
