Iconic Films

2 for 1 tickets to Singin' In The Rain, this coming Monday. Book now

Navigation - link to other main sections from here

From The Times

December 13, 2007

Terry Pratchett: I have Alzheimer’s

Ben Hoyle, Arts Reporter

Terry Pratchett, the bestselling fantasy author, is suffering from a rare form of Alzheimer’s but would like it to be known that he is not dead yet.

In a statement posted on the website of his illustrator Paul Kidby, the author describes the diagnosis as “an embuggerance”.

He adds: “Frankly, I would prefer it if people kept things cheerful, because I think there’s time for at least a few more books yet.”

Pratchett, 59, is best known for his satirical Discworld novels and he has sold more than 55 million books.

Earlier this year, he started having problems with his hand-eye co-ordination while working on a manuscript. “It was as if I was typing wearing gloves,” he said.

Pratchett was referred to a specialist and an MRI scan revealed areas of dead tissue, suggesting that he had suffered a "mini-stroke" at some time in the past few years and that he was now living with its legacy.

In the statement, Pratchett tells his fans: “I have been diagnosed with a very rare form of early onset Alzheimer's, which lay behind this year's phantom "stroke".

“We are taking it fairly philosophically down here and possibly with a mild optimism. All other things being equal, I expect to meet most current and, as far as possible, future commitments but will discuss things with the various organisers.

Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease for which there is no cure.

However, Pratchett adds: “I would just like to draw attention to everyone reading the above that this should be interpreted as, 'I am not dead'. I will, of course, be dead at some future point, as will everybody else. For me, this maybe further off than you think - it's too soon to tell.

“I know it's a very human thing to say, "Is there anything I can do?" but in this case I would only entertain offers from very high-end experts in brain chemistry.”

Pratchett was born in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire in 1948. His first short story The Hades Business was published in Science Fantasy magazine when he was 15 years old and his first novel The Carpet People came out in 1971.

He was a journalist and a publicity officer for the Central Electricity Generating Board before becoming a full time writer in 1987.

His most recent novel is Making Money, the 36th book in his globally acclaimed Discworld series which is set in a surreal world on the back of four elephants that stand on the shell of Great A'Tuin, the giant space turtle.

Long before JK Rowling and Phillip Pullman he straddled the divide between imaginative children’s and adult literature, writing fiction for both sets of readers. In 1989 Truckers became the first children's book to appear in British adult fiction best-seller lists while The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents won the prestigious Carnegie medal for children's fiction in 2001. Pratchett was awarded an OBE in 1998 for services to British literature.

Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 400,000 Britons. It is the most common of more than 100 different types of dementia, most of which are progressive and eventually severe.

There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease or any other type of dementia.

People in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease may experience lapses of memory and have problems finding the right words. As the disease progresses they may: Become confused, experience mood swings or become more withdrawn due either to a loss of confidence or to communication problems.

As the disease progresses, people with Alzheimer's will need more support from those who care for them. Eventually they will need help with all their daily activities, the Alzheimer’s Society said.

The novelist Iris Murdoch and the politicians Harold Wilson and Ronald Reagan were among the best known sufferers.

I'm depressed. I'm not going to be lighthearted about it and I wish nobody else would be. I don't want Terry Pratchett to have Alzheimer's and I bloody well think that somebody should do something about it. I hope he writes a good few more books yet.

Annie, London, UK

Why Terry Pratchett, and why this cruel, miserable disease?

We can only hope that the progression of his ailment is glacially slow, and that he's still got many, many years of good living to look forward to. Better yet, may scientists discover a cure tomorrow!

I've enjoyed his wonderful books for about ten years now, and found that he's perfected his craft through the years; the early disc world books relied more on clever gags, and light humor, but gradually, book by book, he's become better and better at giving his characters depth, and beauty, and a genuine flavor, while still preserving the wonderful humor. By the time "Night Watch" came out, I was blown away.

As for his future writing, as long as he keeps writing, I'll keep buying!

Jarno, Helsinki, Finland

So very sorry! Have now reached 40 and been reading Discworld books since my early 20's! A lifetime love affair! Love the characters - all of them - love the parallel between Discworld and the real world and think they are seriously funny! New ones I buy are still as good as ever and books old and new have been re-read many, many times never failing to make me laugh and cheer me up. Can't speak too highly or praise the man enough. I really hope the illness is staved off for many more years. He has given many much joy!

alison Burford, Birmingham, UK

I discovered terry Pratchett thew my old manager at work the i fell in love with the discworld book because i had found book's that i wanted to read and i get all excited when a new one comes out. I have dyslexia and there for shied away from reading i found it a boring task but not after i picked up the reaper man was hooked and i love it he helped me out in a big way now i can do thing's that i dreaded like reading to my kid's he is a fantastic writer and it's nice to get a look in his mind with his book's

Mark Knott, Boston, Lincs

For heavens sake take the duck off his head and put him in the cold for a while he is obviously overheating.Now doing a Granny weatherwax and standing betwixt the light and the dark,only time will tell.Shall think of you while re reading witches abroad tonight for the umpteemth time!

Carol Taylor, Herne Bay, England

I am very sad to hear that Terry has contracted Alzheimers, and hope that DEATH with wait a Long long long long time before looking at the hour glass and deciding his time has come.
The only writer who can make you like every character ( good or bad, saint or sinner ), who can raise any issue and still be deemed politically correct ( just because most of the characters arent human ).
I think the reason most people really like Terry is that he is a genuine storyteller / wordsmith, in an age where everyone is trying to shock or scare, he is the modern day Aesop, telling a 'real' story about 'real' people ( who happen to not be real ).
I hope he can continue to make me smile and think at the same time, and that this embuggerance will not effect him too soon.
From a real fan of his work, best wishes to you and your family, and dont bother about your lagacy, the books will stand the test of time, enjoy your family as much as possible.

Jimmy, shanghai, china

I use Pratchett as others might use anti-depressants...I have all the books and the audiobooks are frankly fantastic. When it gets tough I tune in to Pratchett and tune the world out.

I am 41 now and contracted cancer at 25 that would have killed me had I caught it 5 years earlier. At the time I was a bit horrified they didnt know why the treatments worked (as the treatments were very early) but as you can see they did....Also they were a little late in diagnosing it, Id had it 12 months when it typically killed in 6 months.

So the point is it ain't ever over til its over.

During the time I didnt know whether I would survive I learnt a hell of a lot about what the world really is. All the illusions and excuses get stripped away.

With the skills Mr Pratchett has in dealing with the ironies of the world, I look forward to seeing the result, whatever that might be.

And IF anyone can deal with this kind of setback, my money goes on Mr Pratchett.

Sally Macdonald, Cambridge,

Thank you Terry,
Your unique and fresh style of writting helped me focus on recovering from an head injury which took away my concentration and abilty to read anything longer than a paragraph.
Your discworld series will let you live forever in my heart!d

Jade Kelley, Brisbane, Australia

If there's a god of fantasy then his name is Terry Pratchett.

Thank you Terry for all the laugh out loud moments you have given me.

Long may you continue to reign supreme.

Rob Holding, Bromley, Kent

Respect to the auther that made me realise reading was not boring!
As a dyslexic child I used every excuse not to read as I found it so hard...one read or diskworld and somthing clicked...Thank you Terry! I would not be able to read anything much at all aged nearly 30 if it was not for you!

Lee, Banbury,

Terry Pratchett is basically the funniest author ever to have graced the best sellers chart , he has entertained me through out my young adult life up until now. My bookcase consists of 90% discworld books, and it will continue to increase for as long as possible.
Mr Pratchett thank you for your wit and great story telling. You opened my eyes to science fiction and again i thankyou for that. You simply are the best.

Gary Eyles, Birmingham, Warwickshire

i am an avid fan of terry pratchett's work and the news of his diagnosis is dreadful. they do say, however, that alzheimers affects intelligent people - terry is nothing short of brilliant. i confess there have been times when i've advocated that he writes faster as a i wade through his books but now i can only ask him to slow down, take his time and thus perhaps put the brakes on the advancement of his condition! as he says, he isn't dead yet, and long may this be the case. there are certain individuals that in my opinion should live forever and terry pratchett is right up there on that list. may i send my best wishes to mr, pratchett and his family.

sue harding , Telford , England

Terry Pratchett has been a fixture in my life since my schooldays, I remember being paralysed with laughter every few pages of The Colour of Magic and The Light Fantastic, and ever since, have eagerly looked forward to his books coming out. He has been a huge influence in making us laugh and firing our imaginations, and I wish him all the best.

Live Fats die Yognu!!

Anando, London, UK

Mr Pratchett once signed one of his books for me with the following inscription:

"To Andy,

Not dead yet? Good keep it up.

Terry"

Now seems a good time to reurn the comment.

Keep it up Terry, for a long while yet.

Andy, Arundel, England

I'm 29 and have been a total Discworld addict since I was 13. I love these books and adore Terry Pratchett and the world he has created. I am really saddened by this news and can only send all my best wishes to Terry and his family.

As he said though, he aten't dead and I hope he has many, many happy years ahead of him.

Sofie, Warwick, UK

I am puzzled because my dad died 2 years ago and they said they had to take a brain sample at autopsy to definitely diagnose Alzheimer's so there was no support or treatment for alzheimers when he was alive? The cause of his dementia remains a mystery. How has Terry ascertained he has Alzheimers?
Very sorry Terry - will say a prayer for you.

yvonne, Cambs, UK

Mr. Pratchett gave me one of my favorite literary characters of all-time - the mysterious Luggage, which had more personality and character than many "real" people have. My thanks for many hours of reading pleasure.

Gary, Maryland, USA

I have to agree with Paul Ellis, there is truely no justice in the world.

Mr Pratchett made reading interesting for me from an early age, he gave me my first strong female role-model (Granny Weatherwax), his books help me find confidence in myself no matter how strange I felt. I hope for him and all his fans that this dreadfull illness can be slowed for as long as possible.

Mr Pratchett, I just hope that all the gods (even the small ones) are looking out for you and keeping you and your family safe and healthy for as long as possible.

Sarah Howson, Chester, UK

I have to admit, I have never read and of his books. All I really to have to say is, what a great word "embuggerance" is! I'd never heard of that word until today. I will try to use it at some point in the future.

Jamie, Truro,

I have read Terry's Discworld series for many years now and read them at night as a way to relax after a hard day's work and to raise my spirits if down. His witty and ticklish turn of phrase has improved my ability to express myself in funny ways! And the parody of our world has made me see the world in a different, and humorous, light! He truly is a genius and my hero. Thanks Terry for all the joy and gut laughs you've given me all these years. I love you very much for it. May there be many more joy and gut laughs to come! Can't wait for the next book!

Love you!!!
Alexxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Alexandra Browne, Buckingham, UK

I am very distressed by this news. The way Terry Pratchett uses language and ideas is sheer genius. I'm sure he does a lot of research. His books are very well crafted and I always look forward to the paperback editions every year. They are the only fiction books I buy and keep.

I really hope the illness is staved off for many years to come.

Tina, Dusseldorf, Germany

"Why are people writing tributes as if he's already dead?!"

Because he won't be able to read them when he is.
Better to know how we all, his fans, feel now.

I was also born in 1948 and am not dead yet, either.

The Wizards at The Unseen may well come up with a cure and HE with the lifetimers could well have a say in the matter.

One of your older "Anorak" fans Pterry.

Barry, Basildon, England

I've read pretty much all bar his most recent novels (due to lack of time) and and grew up on Truckers, Diggers and Wings. The man inspired me to write, and encouraged my passion for the English language and life, He also gave me all the ammunition I ever needed to defeat my RE teacher in theological argument.

For the world's sake, I hope he can find a cure.

Chris N, Sydney, Australia

Still hoping for an all-Angua book. Would be great to have Pratchett himself do an annotated edition of his complete works, to make sure in future centuries the readers do get ALL the jokes.

Chris O'Neil, Sodus, USA/NY

"Why are people writing tributes as if he's already dead?!"

People are writing tributes as if we want him to live forever ;)

We should crown our heroes with laurels while they live, actually, give them a little more encouragement to create. I never liked the idea of celebrating great humans only after they shuffle off the mortal coil.

F Shaw, Singapore, Singapore

Let's hope that the stem cell breakthrough will help Mr. Pratchett, the most gifted writer in fantasy and satire today. I don't pray much, but today I will.

Andy L, Charlotte, USA

"Why are people writing tributes as if he's already dead?!"

Better to do it now, while he might know about it, I say. (I mean, not that he's reading this column or anything, but still.)

Nancy, Queens, NY

Mr Pratchett, I salute your courage in telling about it.
Very few medical advances come in the life-time - and illness-time - of any individual patient, but I hope it does in your case.

Caroline Richmond, London, UK

*Howls at the terrible injustice of this threat to so fine a mind, put to so much delightful use for so long, which only goes to prove it doesn't help* Why did I wait so long to say thanks for the many hilarious hours I've spent on the Discworld in the company of its wonderful inhabitants, and the many more such hours yet to come. So glad you are not dead, my favorite fantasy writer. And may you continue to enjoy your life, and never lose your luggage!
Very best wishes from the Lyons, NY, USA public library and
Barbara Mater

Barbara Mater, Newark, New York, USA

Poor chap. I reckon it was the silly black hat that did it.

Greg Lorriman, Leatherhead, UK

Quite simply there is no justice in the multiverse.

For someone of such talent, insight, humour and pragmatism to be afflicted so young is a damn shame.

Too bloody right you're dead yet - and I hope you continue to bring smiles to millions of readers throughout the world as long as you can.

I started reading your books in '89 and have been a fan ever since.

PS Before you finish writing could you let us know some of the tales from your days at CEGB - you've always said they would be too unbelievable to ever be written but I am sure the HUB would be a great location for an Octiron Power Plant !?

Paul Ellis, Southampton, Hampshire

Terry Pratchett is a genius and his books have made my life and the lives of many others quite a bit brighter on both sides of the Atlantic. Discworld mirrors our world, poking good-natured but razor-sharp fun at our absurdities. God bless him and I hope he knows that all his fans will have him and his family in their prayers and their thoughts.

Brett Rogers, Little Rock, AR, USA

Why are people writing tributes as if he's already dead?!

Rebekah, Brighton, England

I have enjoyed his books immensely and it will be a huge loss for the Global Writing Community when you do 'step off this planet'. I just hope it's later than sooner.

May your remaining months and years be happy.
May you provide closure to all your ideas.
May your and your family be cradled by God.

samiam, Dallas, TX , USA

I have had many hours pleasure reading Mr Pratchett's books and no doubt will have many more. Good on you, Mr P for retaining your (splendid) sense of humour. There is much to be said for the good old British Stiff Upper Lip.

Esmeralda Fly, Birmingham,

Terry, you're the Shakespeare for today - something for the kids, something for the groundlings, something for the sage and something for the silly. I always give myself a pat on the back when I recognise one of the million throwaway references in your books and you bind them all up with wonderful storytelling. Thank you for all you've done and all (hopefully, still a lot) there is yet to come.

Bob, Glasgow, Scotland

buggerit! millenium hand and shrimp!

As one of his odder characters might say.

Olly, canterbury, kent

Terry Pratchett has shared the gift of his wonderful mind for decades and he is by far one of the most humorous writers in the genre. His insights into Ankh Morpokh (London) are about as true as can be and he will be remembered fondly for generations.

don, San Diego, CA

Alzheimer's is like the "Nothing" in the film The Neverending Story in that it rips everything away from an individual, his memories, his personality, his very sense of self. For such a great imaginative genius like Terry Pratchett to be struck by this curse is a shock. There are ways to slow the disease but as yet there is no cure.

Mabon Dane, Haverhill, UK

I stood inline for two hours or so, on a very cold winters night about ten years ago, waiting for Terry to sign a copy of Discworld for a friend of mine. When I finally got to the head of the line I asked that he make the dedication out in my friends name, he stopped, said nothing and just stared at me for about thirty seconds or so, his head cocked to one side as if he knew me or wanted to say something to me. It was a very odd and strange moment that has stayed with me and makes me wonder whenever I see his name, what the hell was he looking at?

Anyway, an interesting and friendly chap. Wish you all the best, Terry.

Paul, Las Vegas, USA

I have only recently discovered Discworld and have a marvelous time visiting there. I wish Mr. Pratchett all the best and hope for as easy a journey as possible.

Debbie, Grand Junction, Co. USA

Dear Terry Pratchett, with everyone having read at least one of your books, I am ashamed to say I have read none. I am a poet and writer who hates reading.
But I want to say how sorry I am that you have found early
stages of alzheimers, I say that because when I read
this article, I liked your face.
Faces are facades, of course, but some, like yours,
cannot hid a secret unless it is an imagined one.
So you come across as lovely, funny, kind and
very loyal. (by the way I am a clairvoyant (precognitive from
the age of four, but not suffering fools gladly, I decided that
ghosts dont exist but that precognitive information arises
from highly disciplined meditative states). Anyway, I dont
have to be clairvoyant to see that you are a quite lovely
person for whom I am so sorry to hear your diagnosis
today. I will send healing. It might help..

Mary Moran, Cambridge, , Mass., USA

How tragic. How very tragic.

Mike, Runcorn, United Kingdom

A bloody shame. I enjoy his books immensely.
He still has his sense of humour though :)

Phill, The Wirral, England