Art Alexakis is opening up about his health as he prepares to hit the road with Everclear for the Sparkle and Fade 30th Anniversary Tour — and he’s facing the future with honesty and determination.
Alexakis, 63, has been living with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) since 2016.
While the disease presents daily challenges, he told PEOPLE on Monday, March 2, he’s grateful for how well his treatment is working.
“Everything gets a little bit harder with MS,” Alexakis said. “But I do celebrate the fact that I still can do the things I do in large part because of my treatment.”
That treatment is TYSABRI, an immunomodulator designed to reduce immune response without fully suppressing it.
“It doesn’t shut down my immune system,” he explained. “Rather, it blocks the white blood cells in the platelets that carry the disease to my brain and spine.”
Alexakis Is Currently Stable
Encouragingly, Alexakis said the disease appears stable.
“It’s not progressing, or if it’s progressing, it’s minute,” he shared, noting that he undergoes annual blood work and MRIs to monitor changes. “I feel like there’s hope because I’m doing everything I’m supposed to be doing. Even with the MS, along with some other physical issues I’m dealing with, I’m a blessed man.”
He recalled that his initial MRI revealed two lesions on the left side of his brain, affecting the right side of his body, along with one lesion on his spine.
His neurologist told him the lesions may have been present for decades.
In 2021, additional lesions were discovered following a severe bout of COVID.
“I was in the hospital for almost a month and in bed for another month,” he said. “A large part of that was because my immune system was pushed down.”
Now, he noted that the side effects from his monthly infusions are manageable.
“I get a little tired the first day, but then a couple days later I feel normal,” he added. “I’ve had the infusion and got on that bus for the tour that night.”
Alexakis Credits His Lifestyle Changes to His Current Wellness
Beyond medication, Alexakis credits lifestyle changes for helping him stay strong.
“If I eat proper food and stay away from inflammatory stuff and work out and swim and take care of myself, I feel better,” he added.
He also attends physical therapy three times a week — and prioritizes a pre-show nap.
Alexakis also credits his wife Vanessa’s constant support for helping him battle MS.
