Tony Christie, a singer, has talked about his optimistic outlook on life since being diagnosed with dementia.
Christie, whose real name is Anthony Fitzgerald, declared during a BBC Breakfast interview that he was determined to continue touring and making music.
"You're out of time the moment you start worrying about it. Ignore it, continue doing what you're doing, he advised.
The 79-year-old Conisbrough, South Yorkshire native is best known for his 1971 single "(Is This The Way To) Amarillo.".
Christie, whose other hits include I Did What I Did For Maria and Avenues And Alleyways, claimed that when he found it challenging to complete a crossword, he realized something was wrong.
I've been doing crosswords and other things for 50 years, and all of a sudden I started finding them very difficult, he claimed.
Christie claimed that after his wife suggested he get checked out, he was told, "You've got the oncoming of dementia.".
"I disregarded it. I simply told you to keep going, and you can bet that I did just that.
"The main issue was that many people I've met who have it worry about it, which is why I came out about it," said the person who had the condition.
"I don't worry about it, either. When I visited a specialist, they gave me tablets, and they gradually started to work. ".
so says the NHS. Although memory loss is the most common symptom of dementia, other symptoms include changes in speech, thought, emotion, and behavior.
Christie, who received a dementia diagnosis about two years ago, expressed optimism that a cure would soon be available.
I have a hunch that there will be tablets that can treat it in a few years. So I just keep working. ".
The performer will give a special performance in honor of his 80th birthday in addition to having his most recent album, Essential Tony Christie, released in November.
"This year, I'm beginning a massive tour. Despite how busy it will be, I am looking forward to it.
According to him, every time he performed on stage, it was helping him. "And music, actually, I found out is part of a cure for dementia," he added.
Christie commented on performing while suffering from dementia and mentioned that his song lyrics are now shown on a monitor.
"Most of the time it's there like insurance, but I manage to get through my shows, it's great," he said.
"But remember, I've been singing for 60 years or whatever, and I have an album out. There are 70 songs total. many songs, starting in 1967.
. "
