Sly Stone, 82, dies after 'prolonged battle' with COPD: Signs, symptoms and risk factors
Sly Stone, the funk icon and frontman of the group Sly and the Family Stone, has died. The 82-year-old musician's family confirmed the death of their "beloved dad" following a "prolonged battle" with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and undisclosed "underlying health issues."
"Sly passed away peacefully, surrounded by his three children, his closest friend and his extended family,' the family's June 9 statement read. 'While we mourn his absence, we take solace in knowing that his extraordinary musical legacy will continue to resonate and inspire for generations to come.'
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle.
Stone, born Sylvester Stewart, helped pioneer a new sound of funk, pop and rock in the '60s, '70s' and '80s with hits like "Dance to the Music," "Sing a Simple Song" and "Everyday People." Stone and his band were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 and received a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award in 2006.
"His iconic songs have left an indelible mark on the world, and his influence remains undeniable." the family's statement continued. "In a testament to his enduring creative spirit, Sly recently completed the screenplay for his life story, a project we are eager to share with the world in due course, which follows a memoir published in 2024."
Stone addressed his health issues in a 2023 interview with The Guardian.
'I have trouble with my lungs, trouble with my voice, trouble with my hearing and trouble with the rest of my body, too,' he said. Stone later added that his ailments, "haven't stopped me from hearing music, but they have stopped me from making it."
What is COPD is it something you should worry about when it comes to your own health? Read on to learn more about COPD.
COPD is a progressive lung disease that causes airways to become swollen and blocked. It's an umbrella term used to describe various lung conditions, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, according to COPD Canada.
In chronic bronchitis, the airways in your lungs become inflamed and narrowed. This means eventually, you will develop more mucus, leading to a persistent cough and difficulty breathing.
For emphysema, the disease develops over time and involves the gradual damage of tiny air sacs in your lungs called alveoli. The damage eventually causes these air sacs to rupture, reducing the surface area that lets oxygen move through the bloodstream.
The most common symptoms of COPD are difficulty breathing, chronic cough (sometimes with mucus) and feeling tired, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The Canadian Lung Association added a person with COPD might also present some of the following symptoms:
Feeling short of breath
Lung infections (like the flu or pneumonia) that may last longer than they would in others
Wheezing
Losing weight without trying
These symptoms can get worse quickly and may be called flare-ups. "These usually last for a few days and often require additional medicine," WHO stated.
COPD develops over time, often as a result of a combination of risk factors, according to the WHO. These may include:
Smoking or being exposed to second-hand smoke
Exposure to dusts, fumes or chemicals in the workplace
Indoor air pollution from sources like burning fuel for heat or coal to cook
Asthma in childhood
Early life events, including poor growth in utero, prematurity or frequent respiratory infections
A rare genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
The Canadian Lung Association indicated adults over age 40 who smoke or previously smoked may be at risk of COPD.
"It is important to speak to a healthcare provider if you are at risk of COPD, even if you don't have symptoms or have only mild symptoms," the organization stated. "COPD is a progressive disease, meaning it gets worse over time."
COPD is severely underdiagnosed, according to the health charity. That's because people living with the disease may not show any symptoms, or they link their symptoms to factors like age, a common respiratory infection or a "smoker's cough." Moreover, some people who have stopped smoking may believe they can no longer develop COPD.
Historically, COPD was associated with older men who had a history of smoking. While the number of men and women who die of COPD in Canada each year is roughly equal, recent research has indicated COPD is likely underdiagnosed in women. The Canadian Lung Association shared women might also experience more severe symptoms and have earlier disease onset.
Finally, over the past two decades, there has been a rising number of COPD hospitalizations for both women in the 40 to 64 age group as well as those older than 65. That's in addition to a decreasing number of hospitalizations in men.
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In Canada, one in four people will be diagnosed with COPD. There are more than two million Canadians impacted by the disease, and a further one million likely living with the condition unknowingly. COPD is also the second-leading cause of hospitalization in Canada, behind only childbirth.
Globally, the WHO has indicated COPD is the third-leading cause of death, causing more than three million deaths in 2019 alone. That year, there were more than 212 million prevalent cases of COPD reported worldwide.
There is no cure for COPD. Still, there are ways to improve the condition and possibly slow its progression. Since the majority of COPD cases are related to using cigarettes, it's best to never smoke — or stop smoking now.
Moreover, you should speak to your supervisor about protection if you work around occupational exposure to chemical fumes, dusts or anything other elements that may increase your risk for COPD.
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