AN ALZHEIMER'S support group leader has praised popular author and former Bucks Free Press reporter Terry Pratchett for his courage in tackling the disease in the public eye.

Sir Terry has filmed a two-part documentary for the BBC on his condition.

The first episode, which showed the writer coming to terms with his diagnosis and seeking out possible ways to beat Alzheimer's, was screened on Wednesday night.

Kari Dorme, of the South Bucks branch of the Alzheimer's Society, said his work was really helping to raise the profile of the disease.

She said: “I think it's marvellous. I think it's so brave for somebody who's actually got this trouble to come out and say so because it's such a devastating thing.”

But Kari thought people were starting to view the disease in a different way.

She said: “It's at the sort of stage where cancer was 20 years ago and now people are really beginning to talk about dementia rather than cover it up and not be aware of it.”

Sir Terry, who grew up in Beaconsfield, announced he was suffering from a rare form of early onset Alzheimer's in December 2007. Since then he has spoken out about the condition and has donated nearly £500,000 toward research. He has also continued to write his much-loved Discworld series of fantasy novels. He was knighted this year in the Queen's New Year's honours list.

The second episode of Terry Pratchett: Living With Alzheimer's will be screened on Wednesday at 9pm on BBC Two.

The South Bucks Alzheimer's Society provides information, advice and support to people suffering from the disease and their carers. To contact the organisation email southbucks@alzheimer.plus.com or call 01494 670909.