Liberal Democrat MP Sir Robert Smith has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
The representative for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine is receiving treatment for the early stages of the disease at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI).
He said: "I would like to thank the medical staff at ARI for the help I am receiving. My colleagues at Westminster and locally are being very supportive, as is my family.
"This was not easy news to receive but it is a condition that can be managed and I plan to make the best I can of it."
Sir Robert, 55, has represented the constituency since 1997 and was re-selected to contest the West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine seat for the Lib Dems at the next election.
The constituency 2015 campaign committee chairman, Mike Rumbles, said: "I am saddened to hear that Sir Robert has this progressive illness but am delighted that he intends to keep working as our local MP and is committed to re-standing in 2015."
Parkinson's disease, which is incurable, affects one in every 500 people in the UK. Symptoms can include tremors, muscle rigidity and slowness of movement which can be treated with drugs and therapy.
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