Famous figures diagnosed with Parkinson's disease
Brett Favre shares his diagnosis before Congress amid lawsuit
© Getty Images
CELEBRITY Conditions
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative condition that leads to various neurological and mobility-related symptoms. Caused by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, the initial symptoms may be so mild that they often go unnoticed for a long time. But then, when the disorder worsens, they become drastically more noticeable. With an estimated 10 million cases worldwide, PD affects people from all walks of life, including many famous individuals.
Former NFL star Brett Favre revealed that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease during a hearing in front of Congress on September 24. Favre, 54, is being sued for misappropriating funds he raised for research in Mississippi, along with dozens of others. According to the filing, Favre secured US$2 million from Mississippi lawmakers for the company Prevacus, which is researching a cure for the effects of concussions, but he allegedly kept the money for himself. Favre denies the claims and shared his own health woes during the hearing.
"Sadly, I also lost an investment in a company that I believed was developing a breakthrough concussion drug I thought would help others, and I’m sure you’ll understand why it’s too late for me because I’ve recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s," he said. "This is also a cause dear to my heart. Recently, the doctor running the company pleaded guilty to taking [public] money for his own use."
Click on to discover well-known actors, politicians, and other public figures who have all been diagnosed with PD.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
