Alan Alda Opens Up About His Health Journey

Alan Alda, known for his role in “M*A*S*H,” has been facing health challenges since his 2015 diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. The 89-year-old actor also deals with a condition that affects his ability to recognize faces, known as prosopagnosia.

In a recent conversation with People Magazine, he mentioned that managing his condition has become almost a full-time job. “I’m constantly finding these little solutions,” he shared.

Despite the difficulties, Alda describes his approach as somewhat playful. “Nearly every day, I discover new ways to tackle issues,” he said. “It’s a bit like a game. Solving even minor problems gives me a rush.” This mindset helps him find joy in challenging times.

Alda has kept busy with his acting career, recently appearing in a cameo in Tina Fey’s adaptation of “The Four Seasons” on Netflix. He appreciates the advice his character gives, which reflects his own life experiences with his wife, Arlene, whom he’s been married to for 68 years.

“The secret to marriage,” he noted, “is really a short memory.” Being present in the moment and showing interest in each other are vital for their relationship. He often laughs about how they first met at a party in 1956, where they both eagerly ate a cake that had fallen on the floor.

Alda humorously recounted how, even years later, he knew Arlene was the one as they ate from the floor. “We still laugh at each other’s jokes, and she interests me more each day,” he said.

As he manages his Parkinson’s, Arlene supports him in small but significant ways. “Sometimes, she has to open packages for me,” he explained. “It makes her feel good, and I’m grateful for it.”

Reflecting on his past, Alda recalled filming the iconic series finale of “M*A*S*H,” which attracted over 106 million viewers. He felt a heavy responsibility to provide a memorable conclusion that resonated with fans. “I wanted to show that everyone carried home their own wounds from the war,” he mentioned, acknowledging both physical and emotional scars.

Interestingly, the production faced unexpected challenges, including a fire that destroyed the set. Alda had to rewrite parts of the script rapidly as filming locations changed.

He also shared his thoughts on the importance of balance in a long marriage, suggesting that differing opinions can enrich relationships. “It’s easy to forget your love when conflicts arise,” he reflected, “but keeping those moments brief is essential.” This kind of perspective, perhaps, highlights why he manages to maintain such a resilient and loving partnership.