Pratchett diagnosed with Alzheimer's

Author Terry Pratchett has revealed to fans that he is suffering from a form of Alzheimer's disease.

The Discworld writer has published a letter entitled 'An Embuggerance' on artist Paul Kidby's website explaining his condition.

The statement said: "Folks, I would have liked to keep this one quiet for a little while, but because of upcoming conventions and of course the need to keep my publishers informed, it seems to me unfair to withhold the news.

"I have been diagnosed with a very rare form of early onset Alzheimer's, which lay behind this year's phantom 'stroke'."

Pratchett claimed he is taking the news with "mild optimism", and that he will still continue with his writing.

He said: "Frankly, I would prefer it if people kept things cheerful, because I think there's time for at least a few more books yet.

"PS I would just like to draw attention to everyone reading the above that this should
be interpreted as 'I am not dead'."

Pratchett has sold over 55 million books worldwide.