‘I forget my lyrics on stage’: Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody, 43, fears he’ll develop dementia like his father as he reveals he practises memory exercises to stave off the ‘horrible’ disease
Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody has admitted he fears he’ll develop dementia as he forgets the lyrics to his songs while performing on stage.
In a new interview, the musician, 43, detailed his father Jack’s battle with the ‘horrible’ disease and revealed he practises memory exercises to reduce his own risk.
The multi-instrumentalist shared: ‘My dad has dementia and I’ve always had memory problems. That’s been a lifetime problem. I’m sure that it will run to me and that’s why I’m trying to get on top of it in my forties, rather than leave it any later.’
Candid: Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody has admitted he fears he’ll develop dementia as he forgets the lyrics to his songs while performing on stage (pictured in August)
Snow Patrol’s lead singer explained he has been keeping busy by completing daily memory tasks, such as learning all the UN countries, to stave off dementia.
The media personality told The Sun: ‘Hopefully I’ve got a few years yet before that affects me. Memory is close to my heart and on my mind. I’ve been trying to do memory exercises. I hope at some point that will connect tissue when I’m on stage. Something disconnects me from the lyrics when I’m there.’
His father – who lives with his wife Linda in Northern Ireland – was diagnosed with the disease back in 2015, and is now in the advanced stage of the disease.
Last year, the Chasing Cars singer shed light on his dad’s battle in the band’s single Soon, which features the lyrics: ‘Soon you’ll not remember anything/But then some day neither will I/Tomorrow though is nothing to fear/Because father it’s always today.’
‘It takes away the people that you love’: In a new interview, the musician, 43, detailed his father Jack’s battle with the ‘horrible’ disease
Efforts: Snow Patrol’s lead singer explained he has been keeping busy by completing memory tasks (pictured with Johnny McDaid, Nathan Connolly, and Paul Wilson in 2016)
Gary has admitted he’s ‘worried’ for both his parents as while his dad is suffering with dementia, his mother witnesses the effects of the disease every day.
Reflecting on his upbringing, the Called Out in the Dark hitmaker revealed Jack was a member of the civil service and Linda worked three jobs so he could be educated at a private school.
‘I didn’t realise how tight they had it. That kind of dedication is something I’m so grateful for… it’s a horrible disease and insidious. It takes your memories from you, it takes your life, takes the people that you love and love you from you’, he added.
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of progressive neurological disorders, that is, conditions affecting the brain.
Touching: His father – who lives with his wife Linda in Northern Ireland – was diagnosed with the disease back in 2015, and Gary revealed he dedicated his 2018 song Soon to him
There are many different types of dementia, of which Alzheimer’s disease is the most common.
The Alzheimer’s Society reports there are more than 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK today, of which more than 500,000 have Alzheimer’s.
It is estimated that the number of people living with dementia in the UK by 2025 will rise to over 1 million.
In the US, it’s estimated there are 5.5 million Alzheimer’s sufferers. A similar percentage rise is expected in the coming years.
Preparations: The belter has revealed he’ll use an autocue for his Reworked UK tour later this year as it’s ‘better to have them there in case I forget’ (pictured in August)
Gary and his band are set to release their eighth studio album, Reworked, on November 1, shortly before they embark on a tour across the UK until early December.
The belter has revealed he’ll have an autocue for his string of performances as it’s ‘better to have them there in case I forget’.
He elaborated: ‘I don’t tend to look down at them that much but I just feel it’s better to have it there in case I have a complete brain freeze.’
WHAT IS DEMENTIA? THE KILLER DISEASE THAT ROBS SUFFERERS OF THEIR MEMORIES
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of neurological disorders
A GLOBAL CONCERN
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of progressive neurological disorders, that is, conditions affecting the brain.
There are many different types of dementia, of which Alzheimer’s disease is the most common.
Some people may have a combination of types of dementia.
Regardless of which type is diagnosed, each person will experience their dementia in their own unique way.
Dementia is a global concern but it is most often seen in wealthier countries, where people are likely to live into very old age.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE AFFECTED?
The Alzheimer’s Society reports there are more than 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK today, of which more than 500,000 have Alzheimer’s.
It is estimated that the number of people living with dementia in the UK by 2025 will rise to over 1 million.
In the US, it’s estimated there are 5.5 million Alzheimer’s sufferers. A similar percentage rise is expected in the coming years.
As a person’s age increases, so does the risk of them developing dementia.
Rates of diagnosis are improving but many people with dementia are thought to still be undiagnosed.
IS THERE A CURE?
Currently there is no cure for dementia.
But new drugs can slow down its progression and the earlier it is spotted the more effective treatments are.
Source: Alzheimer’s Society
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