Agh, I hope this won't happen for a long time... (Pratchett-related)

[Eldan]

People, he isn't dead yet, cheer up.
He might live for another 20 years and write 40 more books.

While 20 years might be possible from a purely age perspective, writing many more books is unlikely, sadly. He already stated in interviews that he has problems writing. If his disease progresses, he probably won't be able to write. Not being able to find the correct words is a pretty common symptom.

[rakkoon]

Okay, I didn't know this last bit.
That is sad.

*Waits for miracle cure*

[Eldan]

Actually, a "cure" as such for advanced Alzheimer's is pretty unlikely. The disease actually visibly damages the brain in later stages. See this picture here from Wikipedia, which is a relatively good example. What can be hoped for is more something in the direction of prevention, or slowing the disease down enough that it won't affect quality of life.

[pendell]

Actually, a "cure" as such for advanced Alzheimer's is pretty unlikely. The disease actually visibly damages the brain in later stages. See this picture here from Wikipedia, which is a relatively good example. What can be hoped for is more something in the direction of prevention, or slowing the disease down enough that it won't affect quality of life.

We must invent a computer brain and interface it with his brain so that, when the organic mind decays, Robot Terry Pratchett can continue to crank out books long into the future.

:)

Respectfully,

Brian P.

[LaZodiac]

Here's to Discworld, and the dream that was it. May it live on.

That is one thing. The other page was talking about reputation and such living on, and I would like to throw my hat into the ring, as it were. Even if the reputation dies as Ozymandius's engraving, the above is what will always be eternal. As long as people are around to read his books (which, due to various tech that we have, will likely never be unavailable) his stories will still be around. His dreams, his ideas, they will still exist. He has made a mark on the world, and happened to be around in a time where we can make that mark permanent.

[Asta Kask]

Besides, he's not dead yet. He may still have a few books to crank out.

[Haruki-kun]

People, he isn't dead yet, cheer up.
He might live for another 20 years and write 40 more books.

Unfortunately,this is quite unlikely. An advanced Alzheimer's patient is in no condition to write.

In time, even the inscription will fade.
Everything dies - even reputation.

As long as I live, I'll remember him. If he's not remembered a thousand years from now, I'll make sure that at least for years after his life ended there's a kid in Mexico whose life he managed to reach out and touch, and that kid doesn't forget it.

[Shhalahr Windrider]

First thought was, "this topic is so old". I've grown to accept his decision long ago and decided to focus on what he has done, not what he should have been able too, there's nothing changing either one now.

Even when one has accepted an unpleasant inevitability, the arrival of the actual moment of truth can still have a strong emotional impact. And often that emotion is quite different in quality from what one would feel had one not been prepared. But the magnitude of it is in no way guaranteed to change.

And this is a step closer to one unpleasant inevitability. It will have its impact whether those it affects are prepared or not.

[MBI]

Has anyone ever heard of Troy Hurtubise?

If there is a cure for Alzheimers , I think this man will be the one who achieves it.

[rakkoon]

Can we see the interview somewhere?
Can't find it on youtube

[CoffeeIncluded]

If I read correctly, there are different types of Alzheimers, and this is the type that goes for memories last. So, as far as Alzheimers go, he's got the "best" type.