Alzheimer's Society comment on Terry Pratchett's donation to Alzheimer's research
Published 13 March 2008
Terry Pratchett's brave decision to speak publicly about his diagnosis is shining a welcome light on what it is like to live with dementia.
Like Terry, 700,000 people in the UK face a daily battle with this incurable condition. I admire Terry's determination to fight dementia; his honesty, candour and courage will do so much to tackle the misunderstanding and stigma that keeps dementia in the shadows. As Terry's experience demonstrates dementia isn't only about memory loss; it has a devastating impact on the person's life and the lives of those around them.
If we live to over 65, one in three of us will die with dementia, a stark fact that should spur us all to join the fight against this devastating condition. If we are to ultimately defeat dementia it is vital that we invest in better support for people living with dementia and fund more dementia research.
Neil Hunt Chief Executive
