Spirit of the West lead singer and guitarist John Mann has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease.

"I know this will come as a shock to many of you. It wasn't for me," Mann, 51, wrote in a personal statement released on his website Monday. "I've had my fears and suspicions, but I was remaining hopeful that there was some other cause for the problems I was experiencing."

Mann said that hearing the news has been difficult for him and his family as they brace for the future.

Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia and causes people to have problems with memory, thinking and behaviour. About five per cent of people with the disease have early onset, which usually appears when people are in their 40s or 50s, according to the Alzheimer's Association.

"I don't want to spend any more energy trying to hide my symptoms," Mann wrote. "I don't want to feel embarrassed. I want to accept what has happened and live."

In a separate statement posted on Spirit of the West’s website, the band wrote that they have had concerns for some time, but were hoping there was another reasonfor Mann’s problems.

The diagnosis was kept quiet at first while friends and family were learning how to cope. The band also said that Mann's "battle with cancer in 2010 was a contributor" to the diagnosis.

Spirit of the West has been popular on the Canadian folk music scene since the 1980s with hits such as "Home for a Rest" and "Political."

Mann said he will continue to make music and perform at shows, and will need an iPad loaded with lyrics to help him remember the words during solo shows.

"Those of you who have seen us in the last while know that John's glorious voice has not suffered, nor has his customary, traditional energy," the band wrote. "We wish to carry on a little longer for our fans, for our families, and for the sake of our own hearts."

"My Spirit of the West bandmates have circled me with care and we will forge ahead as we've been doing the last 30 sum odd years with humour and friendship, playing out hearts out," Mann wrote.

The Vancouver band is next scheduled to perform Thursday in Revelstoke, B.C.