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Singer-songwriter Billy Joel, 76, has canceled upcoming concerts following a diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a brain condition causing excess cerebrospinal fluid buildup. Joel’s website announced the diagnosis Friday, stating that recent performances exacerbated the condition, leading to difficulties with hearing, vision, and balance. He is currently undergoing physical therapy and will refrain from performing under doctor’s orders.
NPH, typically affecting older adults, occurs when cerebrospinal fluid accumulates without increased brain pressure. Although pressure remains normal, NPH can impact cognitive function, memory, movement, and focus.
Common symptoms, known as “Hakim’s triad,” include gait issues, urinary incontinence, and cognitive difficulties such as memory loss and slowed thinking. These symptoms can significantly disrupt daily life, potentially leading to emotional changes like depression.
While NPH can be mistaken for dementia, some cases are treatable and reversible. The primary treatment is a surgical procedure called “shunting,” involving implanting a device to regulate brain fluid levels.
The procedure typically results in rapid symptom improvement within days, though surgical recovery can take weeks. Timely treatment is crucial to prevent lasting brain damage.