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Terry Jones has dementia

Python wordsmith Terry Jones has announced he has been afflicted with primary progressive aphasia, a variant of frontotemporal dementia that destroys the brain's ability to handle speech and vocabulary.

Jones directed what was arguably Monty Python's finest film, Life of Brian, as well as The Meaning of Life, and co-directed Monty Python and the Holy Grail with fellow Python member Terry Gilliam. He has had to withdraw from any future public speaking as the illness has taken hold.

It's a cruel turn of fate for a member of the team who has made his post-Python impact through a love of words. Jones is a noted poet and has written works on medieval history, other comedy shows such as the superb Ripping Yarns, and trenchant criticism of his country's part in the invasion of Iraq.

El Reg wishes all the best to a man who has done so much to bring laughter and happiness to our lives. With luck, and science, we'll see more of his gifts.®

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