Alan Alda, 89, Shares Update on Managing Parkinson's Disease
Alan Alda, 89, Shares Update on Managing Parkinson's Disease

Published: May 21, 2025

At 89, Alan Alda is still as quick-witted as ever, sharing a health update on how he manages his Parkinson's disease, which he was first diagnosed with in 2015.

Alda, the beloved M*A*S*H star and father of three, says life has been a never-ending series of puzzles since his diagnosis. "Almost every day I'm finding a new way to do something," he says. "It's a little like a game. I've found whatever the little problem is, if I keep at it, I can eventually solve it, and then I feel like a million bucks."

Managing his Parkinson's has "gone from a part-time job to almost a full-time job keeping track of all these little solutions," Alda says. "But it keeps me always looking for the funny side."

In addition to managing his Parkinson's, Alda has also been keeping busy with acting, making a scene-stealing cameo on Tina Fey's Netflix series adaptation of his 1981 film The Four Seasons. Fey's series has already been renewed for a second season.

Alda says his wife of 68 years, Arlene, has been there every step of the way, offering advice and support throughout his journey with Parkinson's. "She always says, 'The secret to marriage is a short memory,'" Alda says. "We both try to practice being there when we're there: listening, answering, taking an interest."

Alda's gratitude for his wife and his ability to find the humor in his situation has continued to carry him through every era of his life. "I don't get proud. I get glad that I can do something. Proud seems like a waste of time," he says.

The Four Seasons is now streaming on Netflix. Read more about The Voice winners' prize, or check out the latest news on The Voice season 27 winner.

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