Ali Says He Will Have Surgery He Needs Within Next 2 Years

Muhammad Ali said that he will need surgery within the next two years for Parkinson’s syndrome, noting that his symptoms are worsening as a result of the mild form of a degenerative brain disorder.

“I know I’m sick and I know it’s getting worse,” Ali said in an interview published in Monday’s Chicago Sun-Times.

“I can’t talk when I want to. Can’t talk as fast and often as I like.

“My mind is still sharp. I am aware of everything around me. Basically, I feel great, except for fatigue. I do get tired a lot, but I feel no pain. I don’t feel any pain.

“Sometimes I look down and see my hands shaking, and I didn’t even know they were shaking. The feeling around my mouth isn’t there like it used to be. I’m not aware when there’s food left on my lips.”

The possibility of surgery arose last month when Ali was in Mexico for a sports medicine conference and met Dr. Ignacio Madrazo. The neurosurgeon is experienced in treating Ali’s condition by taking cells from the adrenal glands and putting them in the brain.

The adrenal glands produce dopamine, which is deficient in Ali’s condition. He has been taking a pharmaceutical equivalent called L-dopa.