Pratchett: 'End dementia stigma'

Author Terry Pratchett is hoping to bring dementia "out of the shadows" in a new campaign which hopes to reduce the stigma surrounding the disease.

It follows a report in which sufferers said they experienced losing friends, having neighbours cross the road to avoid them or being told by health professionals it was just "old age".

Mr Pratchett was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease last December and since then has been an active campaigner in the disease's treatment.

Now, he is backing a study from the Alzheimer's Society that found that half of UK adults believe dementia is a condition plagued by stigma.

Pratchett said: "It's a strange life when you 'come out' - people get embarrassed, lower their voices and get lost for words.

"When Milton's Satan stood in the pit of hell and raged at heaven, he was merely a trifle miffed compared to how I felt on the day I was diagnosed. What is needed is will and determination."

He added: "The first step is to talk openly about dementia because it's a fact, well enshrined in folklore that if we are to kill the demon then first we have to say its name.

"I'm fortunate; I can be heard. This report allows others to bring dementia out of the shadows."

Neil Hunt, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society, said: "Alzheimer's Society will lead the fight against stigma and we want to see it reduced by half in five years.

"Today's report exposes the desperate need to increase awareness among the public and professionals.

"There must be investment in national awareness campaigns. Government, charities, services and employers need to work together to make this a reality."

Figures show that one in three people over the age of 65 will die with a form of dementia.

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