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'M*A*S*H' star Alan Alda has Parkinson's disease
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In this file photo taken on November 19, 2012 actor-director Alan Alda arrives at the 40th International Emmy Awards in New York. (AFP/Stan Honda)
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lan Alda, who starred as wise-cracking army doctor Hawkeye Pierce in the long-running television comedy series "M*A*S*H," revealed on Tuesday that he has Parkinson's disease.
Alda, 82, said he was diagnosed with the nervous system disorder three and a half years ago.
"I decided to let people know I have Parkinson's to encourage others to take action," he said in a statement on Twitter.
"My life is full. I act, I give talks, I do my podcast," he said. "I take boxing lessons 3 days a week, play singles tennis twice a week, and take a mild pill.
"And I'm not entering dementia," Alda said. "I'm no more demented than I was before."
Read also: Judas Priest guitarist ends touring due to Parkinson's
"If you get a diagnosis, keep moving!"
In an appearance on "CBS This Morning," Alda said the only symptom he has experienced so far is twitching in his thumb.
Besides "M*A*S*H," the Emmy-winning Alda appeared on the popular TV political drama series "The West Wing" and was nominated for an Oscar for the movie "The Aviator."
