Country music legend Glen Campbell battles with advanced Alzheimer's disease
COUNTRY music’s Glen Campbell is so stricken with Alzheimer’s disease that he cannot play his guitar any more.
Country music legend Glen Campbell is suffering through the end stages of Alzheimer's disease
His wife Kim Campbell said the illness has destroyed the “muscle memory” in his hands, yesterday.
She said the 79-year-old legend of 50 years in music does not even seem to know what the instrument is for.
The star behind Rhinestone Cowboy and Wichita Lineman was diagnosed six years ago but was able to play songs from his 70-album repertoire until 2012.
But Kim told the Tampa Bay Times: “He cannot play guitar anymore. But our children come and play for him. It’s hard to tell if he’s responding to it.
“Sometimes he’ll listen and sometimes he’s distracted. He’s in his own world right now.”
Glen's wife Kim says the 79-year-old doesn't understand what people are saying anymore
Campbell now lives at the Palms of Largo, a luxury care home in Florida, where Kim and the singer’s eight children from four marriages visit him.
He’s healthy but he has lost his language skills. He doesn’t understand anything anyone is saying
But she said: “We’ve entered the later stages of the illness. Some people can remain at home but everybody eventually needs 24/7 care.
“Glen’s getting great care, he’s happy, he’s cheerful. He’s healthy but he has lost his language skills. He doesn’t understand anything anyone is saying.”
Kim told of the dangers and the difficulties carers face.
The legendary musician has spent 50 years in the industry
“A lot of people with dementia become combative, like when I bathe him or change his clothes. Otherwise he’s as sweet as can be.
“He gave me a black eye, just punched me right in the eye. I know he loves me and it’s not anything to do with abuse. It’s just that he can’t communicate.
“There are also dangerous things they do, like pick up a knife and not know what it’s for. Glen would put a straw hat on top of a lamp and I’d find it just as hot as it could be, ready to start a fire.
“Glen stood on a glass tea cart, trying to climb through a window. He could’ve gone right through that and cut his legs to pieces. And it was on wheels.”
Campbell was diagnosed six years ago but was able to play songs from his repertoire until 2012
Kim, 56, said fans of the award-winning performer find it difficult to understand why he is not in public any more.
“They still want access to him. We allowed that access for so long but now it’s time for his privacy and dignity.
“Glen is one of the first people who came out and lived with dementia.
“It was his choice. He was really brave. Now we’ve reached that stage where I am trying to protect his dignity.”
But she said that despite his debilitating condition, he is still supported by his family’s love and religious belief.
“I’m so pleased that Glen has retained his awareness of God. There’s life and energy and community. He’s there with other people – doctors, lawyers – who are all facing the same thing.”