Praise For Bravery Of American Entertainer David Cassidy

American singer and actor David Cassidy has revealed he is living with dementia.

The 66-year-old, who shot to fame in the UK as a teen idol in the 1970s with hits like “How Can I Be Sure?”, says he will stop touring as a musician to focus on his health.

“I was in denial, but a part of me always knew this was coming,” he told People magazine. “I want to focus on what I am, who I am and how I’ve been, without any distractions… I want to love. I want to enjoy life.”

Videos on social media of performances by the singer over the weekend raised concerns about the health of a showbiz star whose mother also had dementia.

Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive at Alzheimer’s Society, said:

“I had mixed emotions when I learned today that one of the biggest stars of the 1970s had opened up about life with dementia.  I know from personal experience that dementia can be devastating, so my heart goes out to David, his family and friends.

“At the same time, David deserves to be commended for the bravery he has shown in opening up about dementia – and shining a spotlight on a condition that is set to affect 1 million people in the UK alone by 2021. His courage and willingness to talk about his dementia diagnosis will inspire people the world over to unite against dementia and tackle the social stigma that exists around the condition.”