Rare Disease Day is celebrated on February 28th this year. While we’re at it, let’s take a look at celebrities with rare diseases.
When we think of common illnesses or health conditions, diabetes, heart disease and the like top the list. Rare Disease Day, which falls on the last day of February, serves to raise awareness of rare diseases. On February 28th this year, people will raise awareness about diseases that are not often discussed. Celebrities play a huge role in highlighting various things, including rare diseases. Read on to find out which famous people have died from or are living with a rare disease.
HealthShots has compiled a list of 5 famous people with rare diseases.
1. Pervez Musharraf died of amyloidosis
On February 5, 2023, reports surfaced of former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, who died after battling a prolonged illness involving amyloidosis. According to the NHS, amyloidosis is the name for a group of rare and serious health conditions caused by a buildup of amyloid (abnormal protein) in organs and tissues. When amyloid proteins build up, it can make it difficult for the tissues and organs to function properly. If left untreated, it can lead to organ failure. There is currently no cure for amyloidosis and the amyloid deposits cannot be removed directly. But people can opt for treatments to prevent more of the abnormal proteins from being produced. Treatment usually includes chemotherapy.
Rare Disease Day is about raising awareness of rare diseases. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
2. Bruce Willis announced that he has frontotemporal dementia
Hollywood star Bruce Willis recently announced that the 67-year-old was suffering from frontotemporal dementia. Last year he was diagnosed with aphasia, which causes speech difficulties. But this has progressed and now Willis lives with frontotemporal dementia, an unusual type of dementia that causes problems with behavior and language. Frontotemporal dementia affects both the front and sides of a person’s brain, according to the NHS. Unfortunately, scientists have yet to find a cure for frontotemporal dementia.
3. Varun Dhawan has struggled with vestibular hypofunction
In a 2022 interview, Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan revealed that he had been battling vestibular hypofunction, which is a heterogeneous disorder of the peripheral or, rarely, central vestibular system. According to the Journal of Neurology, this leads to disabling symptoms such as imbalance, dizziness, and oscillopsia.
Dhawan said in an interview at a conclave that he had “switched off”. He admitted to having vestibular hypofunction, which is basically “your balance is thrown off balance.” He later shared that with the help of swimming, yoga, physical therapy and lifestyle changes, he was doing much better. He also soaked up the sun, which he described as the “most important.”
Singer Celine Dion has revealed that she has a rare neurological condition. Image courtesy: Instagram/Celine Dion
4. Celine Dion revealed that she faces stiff person syndrome
In December 2022, singer Celine Dion announced that she had stiff person syndrome, a rare and progressive neurological disorder.
According to the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke, muscles in the trunk, arms, and legs become stiff. In fact, people with this disorder can even develop a hunched posture over time. Some may be so disabled that they cannot walk or even move. It is possible to control SPS symptoms with appropriate treatment. Oral diazepam, an anxiolytic and muscle relaxant medication, may help improve several symptoms. Medications that relieve muscle spasms may also help.
5. Justin Bieber was stricken with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome
Last year, pop star Justin Bieber’s fans were concerned when it was revealed that he had been diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome. According to the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, it is peripheral facial nerve palsy accompanied by a rash on the ear or inside the mouth. Hearing loss, nausea, vomiting and dizziness are some of the other symptoms. Topical electronic stimulation, facial yoga, breathing exercises, and kinesiology tape are some of the things you can try to help you recover.
6. Samantha Ruth Prabhu suffers from myositis
Popular Indian actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu has spoken openly about her battle with a rare disease called myositis, in which the body’s immune system attacks and weakens muscles. Because of the resulting inflammation and muscle damage, activities as basic as getting out of a chair, holding objects in your hands, or climbing stairs can seem like a chore. Samantha has shared nuggets of her recovery process with her fans via social media and remains confident in giving the illness a tough fight.
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