Renowned musician Ozzy Osbourne passed away at the age of 76, approximately six years after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
The legendary Black Sabbath vocalist died “surrounded by love” at his residence in the United Kingdom on Tuesday, July 22.
His family released a statement confirming the heartbreaking news: “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning.
“He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”
Just 17 days prior to his passing, the ‘Crazy Train’ icon delivered a heartfelt final performance in Birmingham, England, his hometown.
This event marked the first reunion of Black Sabbath in two decades and was successful in raising $190 million for charity.
Nonetheless, Ozzy’s appearance on stage came amid persistent health concerns.
He had undergone several surgeries to address a metal rod in his back, which had shifted after a fall in 2019.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, he revealed that his second surgery in 2023 went “drastically wrong” and “virtually left [him] crippled.”
Although the exact cause of Ozzy’s death has not been disclosed, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in 2019.
This neurodegenerative disorder primarily targets the dopamine-producing neurons in a specific brain region, worsening progressively as various brain areas become impaired over time.
According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, approximately 1.1 million individuals in the U.S. have received a PD diagnosis.
The Parkinson’s Foundation identifies three key indicators that aid doctors in diagnosing Parkinson’s. These include:
Bradykinesia, combined with either tremor or rigidity, must be evident for a PD diagnosis to be considered.
Other physical symptoms could involve excessive drooling, a stooped posture, and, unusually, smaller handwriting.
Patients with Parkinson’s may also experience repetitive muscle twisting, spasms or cramps, a reduced facial expression known as ‘masking,’ difficulties with movement or walking, and challenges in maintaining balance.
Contrary to common belief, Parkinson’s does not solely affect movement.
In fact, the Parkinson’s Foundation points out that ‘non-movement’ symptoms can be more distressing than those affecting movement.
These subtle symptoms might encompass mental health issues like apathy, depression, and anxiety, alongside sleep disorders where individuals physically ‘act out dreams,’ sometimes aggressively.
Additionally, difficulties with speech and swallowing, memory and focus issues, as well as symptoms like constipation, nausea, and bladder control problems are noted.
If you have any concerns, it is advised to consult your doctor.