John Mann of Spirit of the West reveals Alzheimers diagnosis

Spirit of the West front man John Mann revealed today he needs an iPad to remember lyrics after diagnosis for early onset Alzheimers disease.

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"I know this will come as a shock to many of you," the 51-year-old wrote inastatement on his website. "It wasnt for me. Ive had my fears and suspicions, but I was remaining hopeful that there was some other cause for the problems I was experiencing."

Alzheimers is a degenerative brain disordercharacterized by memory loss, behavioural changes and difficulty performing tasks. It is aterminal condition with no cure.

Astatement on the band's websiteconfessed his band mates had known about Mann's conditionfor "some time," but they had been unable, until now, to"reach the acceptance necessary to be able to speak of it publicly."

Mann, who is also in remission from colorectal cancer, explains he now needsto read the lyrics to his band's iconic songs (like the frosh week drinking standardHome for a Rest)off an iPad on stage.

He also needs accompaniment on guitar for his solo shows, but Mann insistshe's not giving up performing:

"I dont want to feel embarrassed. I want to accept what has happened and live."

The band says it is committed to standing behind Mann "foresquare" as they have for more than 30 years.

Spirit of the West is scheduled to take the stage Thursdayin Revelstoke, B.C.