Mark Volman, a founding member of The Turtles, is sharing his expertise with Lewy physique dementia for the primary time.
In an unique interview with PEOPLE, the 76-year-old singer spoke about discovering his prognosis in 2020 after encountering hallucinations, tremors, and difficulties with focus.
Regardless of the devastating results of the progressive neurological dysfunction, Volman stays resilient, persevering with to steer a satisfying life with the discharge of a brand new e book and plans for a tour.
At his residence close to Nashville, Volman pauses to watch a crimson floral couch throughout the room. He questions whether or not others see a lady with a bleeding head, referring to the sofa.
Throughout the pandemic-induced isolation, the crimson floral sample started distorting in his thoughts, resulting in the alarming imaginative and prescient he describes. To mitigate this triggering design, the couch is often hid below a plain cover cowl.
Nevertheless, throughout the PEOPLE picture shoot, the cover cowl has been eliminated, inflicting the “girl” to reappear. Looking for affirmation that she just isn’t actual, Volman is assured as soon as once more, calmly returning to pose for the digital camera.
Volman’s hallucination serves as a attribute symptom of Lewy physique dementia (LBD), a progressive mind dysfunction impacting cognitive operate, reminiscence, and motion.
Since his prognosis, Volman has been navigating the challenges posed by the illness, together with cognitive fluctuations, visible hallucinations, disrupted REM sleep problem, tremors, and signs resembling Parkinson’s illness.
He acknowledges that the highway forward shall be more and more tough because the illness progresses, progressively interfering together with his functioning.
“The challenges of this world have an effect on everyone, and it’s been sort of enjoyable being on the opposite facet of a problem like this and saying, ‘I really feel good.’ My associates are right here. I’m nonetheless right here. And I need individuals to attach with me.”