Bruce Willis diagnosed with untreatable dementia: family

LOS ANGELES - US action hero Bruce Willis has been diagnosed with untreatable dementia, his family said Thursday, less than a year after he retired from acting because of growing cognitive difficulties.

"Since we announced Bruce's diagnosis of aphasia in spring 2022, Bruce's condition has progressed and we now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia," a statement said.

"Unfortunately, challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease Bruce faces. While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis. 

"Today there are no treatments for the disease, a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead.

"As Bruce's condition advances, we hope that any media attention can be focused on shining a light on this disease that needs far more awareness and research." 

Agence France-Presse

AC/DC guitarist Malcolm Young dies aged 64

PARIS - AC/DC guitarist Malcolm Young has died aged 64 after suffering for several years with dementia, the band announced Saturday.

Young founded the Australian rock group with his brother Angus, who said he will leave "an enormous legacy".

"Today it is with deep heartfelt sadness that AC/DC has to announce the passing of Malcolm Young," a statement on the band's website said.

"With enormous dedication and commitment he was the driving force behind the band.

"As a guitarist, songwriter and visionary he was a perfectionist and a unique man."

Best known for their hit song Highway to Hell, AC/DC formed in 1973 and went on to produce 17 studio albums, selling more than 200 million records.

Friends and musicians paid tribute to him on Twitter.

Black Sabbath singer Ozzy Osborne tweeted: "So sad to learn of the passing of yet another friend, Malcolm Young. He will be sadly missed. God Bless."

Def Leppard frontman Joe Elliot called him "an incredible guitar player & the glue for that band onstage & off."

Eddie Van Halen wrote: "It is a sad day in rock and roll. Malcolm Young was my friend and the heart and soul of AC/DC.

"He will be missed and my deepest condolences to his family, bandmates and friends."

Meanwhile Canadian singer-songwriter Bryan Adams said Young's "guitar playing was a huge inspiration," adding "thanks for that."

'ENORMOUS LEGACY'

Malcolm Young had been suffering from dementia for the several years, and was replaced in the band by his nephew Stevie Young.

His family said he died peacefully, with them at his bedside.

His brother Angus paid tribute, saying: "As his brother it is hard to express in words what he has meant to me during my life, the bond we had was unique and very special.

"He leaves behind an enormous legacy that will live on forever.

"Malcolm, job well done."

Elder brother George, who the band described as a mentor, died last month.

The three brothers were born in Scotland and emigrated to Australia as children with their family, although their eldest brother remained in the UK.

A statement from his family, published on the band's Facebook page, said: "It is with deepest sorrow that we inform you of the death of Malcolm Young, beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother.

"Renowned for his musical prowess Malcolm was a songwriter, guitarist, performer, producer and visionary who inspired many.

"From the outset, he knew what he wanted to achieve and, along with his younger brother, took to the world stage giving their all at every show. Nothing less would do for their fans."

Malcolm is survived by his wife O'Linda, children Cara and Ross, son-in-law Josh, three grandchildren, sister Margaret and brother Angus.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Charmian Carr, who played 'Sound of Music's Liesl, dies at age 73

LOS ANGELES - Charmian Carr, beloved by fans for her role as the rebellious daughter, Liesl Von Trapp, in the Academy Award-winning film "The Sound of Music," has died at the age of 73, her family said on Sunday.

Carr died on Saturday of complications from a rare form of dementia in the Los Angeles suburb of Woodland Hills, the family said in a statement.

Carr was in her early 20s when she played Liesl, the eldest of the seven children of stern widower Captain Von Trapp, played by Christopher Plummer, in the 1965 musical starring Julie Andrews.

Her romantic dance scene with screen boyfriend Rolfe in a gazebo during a thunderstorm while singing "Sixteen Going On Seventeen" was considered one of the movie's most charming scenes.

After "The Sound of Music," Carr appeared in the TV musical "Evening Primrose" with Anthony Perkins but then stepped back from acting to start an interior design business and raise a family.

But her enthusiasm for "The Sound of Music" remained undiminished and in 2000, she started hosting sing-alongs of the movie across the United States, which drew thousands of fans dressed as their favorite characters.

Carr also wrote two books - "Forever Liesl," in 2000, in which she detailed the making of the movie, and "Letters to Liesl" in 2001, which was inspired by the fan mail she received from around the world.

Carr was born in Chicago on Dec. 27, 1942, and moved to California when she was 13. She is survived by two children and four grandchildren.

(Reporting by Jill Serjeant; Editing by Peter Cooney)

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Abunda to try stem cell therapy for mom

MANILA, Philippines -- "The Buzz" host Boy Abunda is going to Europe this weekend with his mother, who is suffering from dementia and Alzeimer’s disease.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News on Tuesday afternoon, Abunda said he will bring his mother to Germany to try stem cell therapy.

"Ako ay pupunta sa Europe hindi para magbakasyon. Dadalhin ko po ang aking ina para magpagamot sa Germany. Ito po 'yung fresh stem cell therapy. Maganda 'yung dini-diretso na dahil napag-uusapan ito," Abunda said.

While Abunda is in Germany, Kris Aquino will take his place on ABS-CBN's entertainment talk show "The Buzz."

In the interview, Abunda also said he's proud of Aquino, who's now open to doing extreme adventures, while continuing to be a good mother to her two sons.

"Ang daming nagbago kay Kris. May mga bagay na hindi ko inakala na gagawin ni Kris like 'yung diving, zipline at marami pang iba. Natutuwa ako that she has become more open to many things. She has become more adventurous. She has retained being the doting mother that she is pero mas malalim ang halakhak niya ngayon sa buhay. She's just so joyful. Natutuwa ako habang pinapanood ko ang kanyang adventure sa 'KrisTV,'" Abunda said.

Abunda said he's also hoping to do a new project with Aquino.

"I'm hoping na someday ay muli kaming magtagpo sa isang palabas dahil marami ang humihiling na kami ay magsama sa isang palabas. Sigurado ako sa puso ko na kami ay gagawa at gagawa dahil magkadugtong ang aming pusod," he said.

article source: abs-cbnnews.com