Etta James’ son revealed that the blues legend has been secretly suffering from Alzheimer’s disease for more than a year, reports CNN.
The 72-year old singer has been in a California hospital since last week suffering from a blood infection. Donto James revealed that his mother was being treated earlier this year for an addiction to painkillers and over-the-counter medication.
He told CNN that his mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s more than a year ago and she has been battling the disease ever since.
Donto James also said his mom is having speech difficulties and had contracted MRSA (a bacterial infection resistant to many antibiotics) which can be fatal.
He is very worried and hopes to get more information on his mother’s condition. He said, "I am going to end up losing my mother if it keeps going on like this. There has to be another doctor out there who can tell me what is going on with my mother."
Despite his concerns, Donto James believes his mom can get through this ordeal, "I want my mother back onstage again.I know it can happen."
Etta James, best known for her hit At Last released in 1961, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.