Terry Pratchett - Living with Alzheimer's

[rac]

Anybody else watch this?

I found it very very interesting. It always amazes me to find out how little I know about what I assume to be an obvious subject.

There were also some heartrending, and incredibly brave, scenes in there- the signing session and the reading he gave at the Discworld con.

Catch it on the BBC iplayer here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00hhgsb/Terry_Pratchett_Living_with_Alzheimers_Episode_1/

[Deep Black]

Didn't see it.

I know he's ill & all, but I just find him irritating

[RedKing]

Thank goodness, Deep, I thought I was the only one.

[198505]

I found the reading uncomfortable to watch and on the whole a very good programme

[Chiaroscuro]

I watched it. I felt the same as you, rac. It was interesting, funny and sad.

I kept worrying about him using that cap thing. I kept thinking "What if it makes things worse?"

This is probably really naive - or just plain simple - but I do wonder whether with someone like him with such a vast imagination, something in the brain just has to give. It was interesting that the one man he spoke to who had the same kind of problems as him was also a writer so neither can be accused of underusing their brains.

Sort of makes you wonder if the 'use it or lose it' advice holds much weight in the end.

[Deep Black]

Nah, I reckon anyone can be struck, at any time, regardless of Brain useage

[Big Orange]

I found it very funny and sad at the same time, while look at six computer monitors at once for prolonged periods of time is bound to rot your brains.

[Conscious Bob]

Heh, Terry did ruefully point out his cholestrol was very low...

The variation Terry's got is affecting the part of his brain which processes vision. The fellow sufferers he met were all lucid.

Terry's PA Rob is sound but did make me laugh in the preview to this weeks episode. The consultant was spelling out the condition to Terry. Rob blurted out 'how long?' presumably to calculate his notice. Terry didn't want an answer...

[Conscious Bob]

Apologies to Rob, the preview gave a false impression. Terry I think reserves the right to rebuke his PA every now and again for a laugh.

Good programme, not just for the journey but also for older people's (includings Terry's) insights into the condition and the possible implications for the future.

[Chiaroscuro]

I thought Rob seemed to be taking it harder than Terry - the exchange they had in the car after visiting the care home seemed to suggest he was wondering about his own future too.

It certainly gave you a lot to think about. I'm in favour of euthanasia, but at what point would it be appropriate for something like Alzheimer's?

[rac]

Missed the second episode!
I'll have to catch it on the miracle that is the BBC iplayer.

[scooterman]

Didn't see it. The thing to remember is that the brain is an organ like any other albeit a very important one and can go wrong like any other although the problems that causes are more obvious and worrying for the sufferer and everybody close to them.

Not read much of his stuff and know very little about him but wish him all the best

[Conscious Bob]

It certainly gave you a lot to think about. I'm in favour of euthanasia, but at what point would it be appropriate for something like Alzheimer's?

From what I gathered from the programme I don't think euthanasia is Terry's bag. His sculptor pal did appear to be in favour of it (without actually saying the word).

I think euthanasia is only appropriate for extreme pain or extreme paralysis and even then it has to be a conscious sole decision by the sufferer.

[Chiaroscuro]

From what I gathered from the programme I don't think euthanasia is Terry's bag. His sculptor pal did appear to be in favour of it (without actually saying the word).
Yes, that was certainly what he was saying.


I think euthanasia is only appropriate for extreme pain or extreme paralysis and even then it has to be a conscious sole decision by the sufferer.
My immediate reaction was to agree with you entirely, but there are situations where someone is in such a state that they're unable to take that decision, but have no hope of recovery. For instance, a friend of my father died from cancer last year. The last two weeks of her life were very unpleasant. He was traumatised by watching her die and I can't help think that if at the start of that last fortnight - when they knew there was nothing that could be done - wouldn't it have been kinder for everyone concerned to end her life there?

That said, I've not been in the position yet where I've had to watch a loved one deteriorate so I can't say for certain I would want to take that decision for someone.

[Conscious Bob]

My immediate reaction was to agree with you entirely, but there are situations where someone is in such a state that they're unable to take that decision, but have no hope of recovery. For instance, a friend of my father died from cancer last year. The last two weeks of her life were very unpleasant. He was traumatised by watching her die and I can't help think that if at the start of that last fortnight - when they knew there was nothing that could be done - wouldn't it have been kinder for everyone concerned to end her life there?

Who are we to judge? I've been told by people in these terminal situations that it's a fine art caring for patients and monitoring their last weeks and days.

[Chiaroscuro]

Who are we to judge? I've been told by people in these terminal situations that it's a fine art caring for patients and monitoring their last weeks and days.

I'm sure it is.