Terry Pratchett to feature in New Year Honours

Terry Pratchett announced his diagnosis of a rare form of Alzheimer's disease called Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA) in December 2007. In October 2008, Terry Pratchett fronted the Alzheimer's Society's Dementia: Out of the Shadows campaign, to fight the stigma surrounding dementia and encourage other people with the condition to speak out.

Neil Hunt, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Society, says,

I would like to congratulate Terry on this fantastic and well-deserved achievement. Terry is not only a successful author and well-loved public figure; he is also playing a key role in fighting the misunderstanding and stigma surrounding dementia.
By speaking openly about his experience, Terry has inspired other people with dementia to approach Alzheimer's Society for help, advice and support. His honesty has helped bring dementia out of the shadows and influenced policy makers to improve dementia services for the future.

Dementia is more than just memory loss; it robs people of their lives. 700,000 people in the UK face a daily battle with this devastating condition.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• 1 in 3 people over 65 will die with dementia.
• 700,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than 20 years nearly a million people will be living with dementia.  This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051. 1 in 6 people over 80 have dementia.
• Alzheimer's Society campaigns for and champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions who care for them. Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• As a charity, Alzheimer's Society needs to raise money to care for people today and to find a cure for tomorrow. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk.
• Alzheimer's Society Dementia Helpline number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk

For further information please call 0207 423 3595 or 07802688774.