Monty Python star reveals dementia diagnosis

Monty Python actor and legendary comedic writer Terry Jones says he has been diagnosed with dementia.

Jones told The Guardian he has frontotemporal dementia (FTD), which affects the front and sides of the brain where language and social control centres are based.

Those with FTD often find they lose their ability to communicate and their behaviour can often seem erratic and uncontrollable.

Sadly, they often seem less patient and caring of their family and friends too, which can have a huge impact on those around them.

Jones’ close friend and Monty Python co-star Michael Palin said he first started to notice a change in Terry when they were rehearsing in 2014.

“Terry was always very good at remembering lines,” he told The Guardian.

“But this time he had real problems, and in the end he had to use a teleprompter.

“That was a first for him. I realised then that something more serious than memory lapses was affecting him.”

Jones has now almost completely lost his ability to speak and his restricted to only a few words.

However, his family and friends are speaking out on his behalf to raise awareness for FTD and to help others cope with the condition.

Palin said he and Jones still spend plenty of time together going out for lunches and seem to find humour somehow in their situation.

“We chat – well, I chat,” Palin said. “But when the meal is over he makes it clear he has to move. He has to get to the next thing on his agenda and he just puts his head down and goes.

“I have never felt discomfited in his presence, however. There is no embarrassment. He doesn’t shout or show his bottom.”

The pair, along with Jones’ wife and children, are hoping to help other people cope with the disease and teach the wider public more about it so those who live with FTD don’t feel so alone.

Have you been a fan of Terry over the years? Do you know anyone affected by dementia?