Alan Jackson is one of the most famous and well-liked country music artists of all time. His classic country style and sincere lyrics have earned him the label of “neo-traditionalist,” and he has a string of hits to his name.
He has been as important on the male side of country music as Loretta Lynn was on the female side, influencing artists like Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, and more. Women have been moved by him as well; Carrie Underwood has said that one of his concerts was the first one she ever attended.
Everyone loves his music, but few know anything about the guy who created it. When he’s not performing, who is Alan Jackson? Below is a comprehensive look at Alan Jackson’s life story about his illness.
Alan Jackson Illness
Fans have long wondered about Alan Jackson’s health, with many recently wondering whether he suffers from Parkinson’s disease. When Alan Jackson finally revealed the solution to the question everyone had been asking in a 2021 interview with The Today Show, the world finally understood.
“It’s been affecting me for years.”
Ten years ago, country music superstar Alan Jackson was diagnosed with a degenerative nerve condition affecting his ability to walk. Now, for the first time, he opens up about his health struggles to @JennaBushHager. pic.twitter.com/IkrQOeixjR
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) September 28, 2021
What Disease Does Alan Jackson Have? Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT)
During the interview, he remarked, “There’s no treatment for it, and it’s been harming me for years. And the evidence is piling up. I’m aware that my stage presence is lacking. And now I’m a bit unsteady on my feet, even in front of the microphone, and it’s making me feel really awkward.”
Jackson had been suffering in silence for a number of years from the degenerative genetic ailment he had inherited from his father. When did Alan Jackson first learn he had cancer? The musician was in his early 50s when he was diagnosed in 2011, making his case typical of many with CMT.
The following links will take you to various articles on the causes of illness:
- Danielle Outdaughtered Illness: Which Type Of Disease She Suffer From?
- Sarah Young Illness: Is She Really Suffering From Cancer?
Alan Jackson Admitted to Hospital
In 2022, when Alan Jackson was hospitalized with his neurological condition, rumors started spreading online that he had died. The sickness has also forced him to have to cancel many appearances.
In the same interview in which he revealed his disease, Jackson said, “I am aware that on stage, I am stumbling. … I’m suddenly finding it difficult to balance, even in front of the microphone. It won’t kill you. Not that I deny that I’ll be able to tour. I’ll make the best effort I can.”
What is Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease?
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease affects the peripheral nerve system and may cause motor and sensory neuropathy. Muscle tissue and the ability to feel pain are destroyed by the illness. Some individuals don’t start showing symptoms until they’re in their 30s or 40s, even though they typically appear in early childhood or adolescence.
About one in every 2,5 hundred persons suffer from this illness. The Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease has been a constant struggle for the two-time Grammy winner for over a decade. In a 2021 interview, the artist reportedly said:
“I know I’m stumbling around on stage. And now I’m having a little trouble balancing, even in front of the microphone, and so I just feel very uncomfortable.”
The vocalist from Livin’ on Love has said that he has no intention of retiring despite suffering from Charcot-Marie-Tooth.
ALAN JACKSON has a neurological disease called Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disorder. He’s had it for a while but waited until now to say something because it’s affecting how he moves on stage, and he wants people to know why. #TONYANDKRIS #ALANJACKSON #KNOXVILLE #WIVK pic.twitter.com/YhRSCHwiiP
— WIVK 107.7 (@wivk1077) September 29, 2021
What caused Alan Jackson’s Health Condition?
Mutations in genes that code for proteins essential to the construction and function of the axon or myelin sheath of peripheral nerves cause CMT. Different kinds of the illness are associated with abnormalities in a variety of proteins, but all of the mutations have a profound impact on the peripheral nervous system.
Gene abnormalities in myelin induce malfunction of the covering, which distorts or inhibits nerve impulses, while other mutations impair axon function and cause axonal loss. Over 40 genes have been associated to CMT, each of which may cause a different form of the illness.
Furthermore, numerous genes may be associated with a single form of CMT. Duplication of the PMP22 gene on chromosome 17 is responsible for more than half of CMT cases. Gene mutations that cause CMT may be passed down in one of three ways: the autosomal dominant pattern, the autosomal recessive pattern, or the X-linked pattern.
CMT Variations
Some symptoms are common to all CMT diseases, but each form is unique in its inheritance profile, age of start, and focus on either the axon or the myelin sheath. Myelin sheath anomalies are the root cause of CMT type 1, one of six primary subtypes of this autosomal dominant condition.
The peripheral myelin protein-22 (PMP22) gene, located on chromosome 17, is duplicated in people with CMT1A. Usually, CMT1A advances slowly. Starting in infancy, individuals have hand weakness, sensory loss, and foot and leg difficulties, as well as weakening and atrophy of the muscles in the lower legs.
Mutations in the gene responsible for producing myelin protein zero (MPZ, often termed P0), another essential component of the myelin sheath, are the cause of CMT1B. The signs and symptoms of CMT1B are quite similar to those of CMT1A. CMT1 may also be caused by mutations in SIMPLE (also known as LITAF), EGR2, PMP22, and NEFL, however, these are far less frequent.
Is CMT treatable?
The illness cannot be treated at this time. However, its progression is often sluggish, and it has little effect on the average lifespan. Charcot-Marie-Tooth patients may benefit from therapies including physical therapy and occupational therapy to help them live with the condition.
Medication, gene therapy, and in vitro procedures are among the treatments being studied in the hopes that one day they may be able to cure the condition and stop it from being passed down through the generations.
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