Billy Connolly diagnosed with Parkinson's disease

Topics: billy connolly, cancer, celebrity, editors picks, parkinsons disease, prostate cancer

BILLY Connolly is receiving treatment for Parkinson's disease after being diagnosed with the degenerative nerve disorder.

The 70-year-old actor recently won his battle with prostate cancer after the disease was caught early, but he has now been told he is showing symptoms of the initial stages of the degenerative nerve disorder - which can include shaking, rigidity, slowness of movement and difficulty with walking.

His spokeswomen said: "Billy Connolly recently underwent minor surgery in America after being diagnosed with the very early stages of prostate cancer. The operation was a total success, and Billy is fully recovered.

"In addition, Billy has been assessed as having the initial symptoms of Parkinson's disease."

'Brave' star Billy - who is married to psychologist Pamela Stephenson - is currently being treated for his Parkinson's disease, which is commonly tackled through the use of levodopa, a chemical that the body converts into dopamine, an organic chemical used by the brain as a neurotransmitter.

His spokeswoman added: "He is receiving the appropriate treatment [for Parkinson's disease]."

Presently, the disease will not hinder the comic-and-actor's career and he will be able to continue to work.

Billy's spokeswoman explained: "Billy has been assured by experts that the findings will in no way inhibit or affect his ability to work, and he will start filming a TV series in the near future, as well as undertaking an extensive theatrical tour of New Zealand in the new year."

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Billy Connolly diagnosed with Parkinson's disease