Soul legend Bobby Womack has been speaking out following his recent diagnosis of early Alzheimer's disease. Womack sought medical advice after forgetting song lyrics and mistaking the names of frequent collaborators, such as Blur's Damon Albarn, and was informed that he's suffering from early symptoms of the disease.

Womack has spoken out for the first time about this diagnosis, writing a note to fans which said:

Thanks to all of my fans for their prayers and well wishes. I truly appreciate and can feel your love. With the support of many good doctors, my family, and all my wonderful fans, I will continue to write and perform and bring the good music to the people for as long as I can.

Womack has been suffering from ill health for some time now. The 68-year-old was operated on for colon cancer last year and was forced to cancel an Irish gig in Marlay Park due to pneumonia.