LOS ANGELES, June 12 — Steve Lawrence, the 1960s-era singer and comedian who performed at nightclubs and on television with his wife Eydie Gorme, said yesterday he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

In a letter released by his publicist, the 83-year-old Lawrence said the disease was in its early stages and he was "being treated with medications under the supervision of some of the finest doctors in the field”.

"Fortunately, they have managed to slow down this horrific process,” he said.

Lawrence married Gorme in 1957 and together they became a staple on American late-night and variety television programmes. Their playful husband-and-wife banter was a distinctive element of their performances over the decades.

We Got Us, the first album from the duo that came to be known as Steve & Eydie, won a Grammy in 1960. Gorme died in 2013.

Lawrence said he was "living my life, going out in public and trying to spend as much time as possible with my family and friends while I am still able to engage and enjoy”.

"I ask for your prayers, your good wishes and implore you to find the joy every day, because what I feel is gratitude, love and hope — nothing more and nothing less, and I hope you can find the same,” he added. — Reuters