Figured somebody else would have already posted this:


Folks,

I would have liked to keep this one quiet for a little while, but because of upcoming conventions and of course the need to keep my publishers informed, it seems to me unfair to withhold the news. 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. For now work is continuing on the completion of Nation and the basic notes are already being laid down for Unseen Academicals. 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. Frankly, I would prefer it if people kept things cheerful, because I think there's time for at least a few more books yet.

Terry Pratchett

PS 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.

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Yeah, it's a shame isn't it? I think he's a very well adjusted fella though, so I imagine he'll cope well. Or at least, as well as you can, with that sort of thing.

It is sadness!

Why is it that the creative constructive people are the ones to have to endure such things?

I could think of about elevntyzillion other people to whom it could happen and I would feel no sadness at all.

But I believe that maintaining a calm internal regime is much of the solution to the problem, along with the appropriate medical regime. I think TP has the other component that is said to delay Alzheimer's - namely an active mind.

We shall think of him in case it helps.

Mm in any case he should be writing many more books which will no doubt, be good for him. It is distressing though, I'm sure he'll pull through though just fine. As BK said he can afford to get the best, which is a comfort.

Seen this disease up close, don't like it.

Hope for a cure. Hope it's not a true onset...

My dad is in the middle of this and so it it strikes particularly hard.
It is far harder for mum than dad, though.

My good wishes to PTerry and his family.