Terry Jones' dementia tragically leaves him barely able to speak: 'We assume he's happy'
TERRY JONES' dialogue is now restricted to just a few words following his dementia diagnosis back in September 2015.
Terry Jones was diagnosed with dementia back in 2015
The Monty Python legend was very "matter of fact" on initially finding out he had frontotemporal dementia (FTD), which prevents suffers from being able to communicate.
The 75-year-old and his family have opened up about his health in the hope of raising awareness of the condition, six months after first revealing the sad news to fans.
Terry used to be able to outline his thoughts via email but that has come to an end, his daughter Sally revealed during an interview with The Observer.
"The emails slowly became more and more jumbled, and by autumn last year he had to give up. For someone who lived by words and discussions this was tragic," she commented.
Terry Jones' speech is now restricted to just a few words
Terry Jones with his Monty Python pal and costars
He still enjoys his beer, his wine, his walks, his films and a good joke
Meanwhile, close friend Michael Palin has revealed how he was struck by how Terry first reacted to the bad news.
The 73-year-old told the newspaper: "He was very matter of fact about it and would stop people in the street and tell them, 'I’ve got dementia, you know. My frontal brain lobe has absconded'."
Saying he had never felt "discomfited" in his presence, Michael went on: "We chat – well, I chat… There is no embarrassment. He doesn’t shout or show his bottom.
Terry Jones: Michael Palin said they still chat often
Superfan proposes in front of Monty Python cast members
Terry Jones still loves to see friends and take long walks
"He still enjoys his beer, his wine, his walks, his films and a good joke. These are not things you associate with a depressive illness."
Sally admitted that people off ask her if Terry will recognise them and she has to inform them that he definitely will: "He loves seeing friends."
Michael admitted: "I think that must be the most difficult thing – not to be able to say quite simply how you are feeling on a given occasion. We assume that he is happy, but that assumption could be wrong."