Terry Pratchett and Alzheimers

[Arch]

Anyone see the programme by Terry Pratchett last night? I thought it was very good. I'm no particular fan of his (I find all his books just a little longer than the story actually warrants), but I thought he did a brilliant job of explaining how it felt and so on. A horrible thing to have - the more so perhaps, the more lively your mind is to start with - like the chemistry professor he talked to.

I felt awful watching him struggle to read from his book at that convention.

 

[ChrisKH]

In some respects he is fortunate to be diagnosed now so he can personally understand the consequences and also that he doesn't have an aggressive form of Alzheimers (although that can change at any time I'm sure). Some people never find out they have it until it takes hold by which time the individual ceases to be responsive to suggestion and logical thought. My father lost the ability to speak and write very quickly and we never knew if he understood he had the disease or not, or if he knew who we were.

Interestingly, there has been recent research that supports a link between type II diabetes and Alzheimers, seehttp://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7866022.stm. This may have played a part in my father's death as he was a type II sufferer. The disease killed him very quickly; I don't think it is widely known that it does (or should that be can) actually kill you in the end, a bit like cancer. From diagnosis to death was about five years.

 

[Twenty Inch]

I saw it too. Grim viewing. Many people who have Alzheimer's don't have PAs (how camp was he? Obviously in love with the boss), large resources to throw at it, or instant access to media and science labs. I suppose they can be grateful that he gives them a voice. His point that there were almost certainly people watching the programme who already had Alzheimer's unawares struck home.

The chemistry professor was sobering. By any standards, that's the sort of person who should be relatively immune to the effects - well-educated, continually keeping his brain active, many different interests and in a supportive relationships. Perhaps PCA has a different development to other sorts of Alzheimer's.

I liked his sculptor friend.

Like Arch, I can take or leave the books. However this programme grabbed me. I shall be watching again.

 

[summerdays]

I did find it an interesting programme but he struck me as an awkward person to be with... probably great to meet for a short while but I wouldn't want to work for him. Mr Summerdays managed to see someone he works with at the conference thing in the audience!! I felt so sorry for him as he fumbled to read those words and yet he had done so brilliantly upto that point.

 

[another_dave_b]

Interestingly, there has been recent research that supports a link between type II diabetes and Alzheimers, seehttp://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7866022.stm. This may have played a part in my father's death as he was a type II sufferer. The disease killed him very quickly; I don't think it is widely known that it does (or should that be can) actually kill you in the end, a bit like cancer. From diagnosis to death was about five years.

Also a suggested link to the Cold Sore Virus

 

[wafflycat]

Good programme. I see that he mentioned he's on Aricept. Regretfully, NICE withdrew Aricept from NHS for those with mild Alzheimers - much controversy followed. People who were benefitting from Aricept had it withdrawn and the disease progressed whereas when taking Aricept, it was controlled at the mild stage with deterioration halted/slowed significantly. Apparently the NHS can't afford £2.50 a day per patient... And generally, how the NHS/care system treats those with Alzheimers is appalling.