Skip to content

Alzheimer Quote by Terry Pratchett

“I [...] vowed that rather than let Alzheimer's take me, I would take it. I would live my life as ever to the full and die, ­before the disease mounted its last ­attack, in my own home, in a chair on the lawn, with a brandy in my hand to wash down whatever modern ­version of the "Brompton cocktail"…” quote by Terry Pratchett
Download Open image
“I [...] vowed that rather than let Alzheimer's take me, I would take it. I would live my life as ever to the full and die, ­before the disease mounted its last ­attack, in my own home, in a chair on the lawn, with a brandy in my hand to wash down whatever modern ­version of the "Brompton cocktail" some ­helpful medic could supply. And with ­Thomas Tallis on my iPod, I would shake hands with Death.”

Terry Pratchett

About This Quote

Source Interview: Discussing Alzheimer's and personal agency (2009)

He decides to confront Alzheimer’s proactively, choosing to live fully and die on his terms, using humor and music as coping tools.

In simple terms: He will fight the disease and live fully.

Key Takeaway

Embrace agency and joy despite illness.

Themes

mortality illness agency humor music

Mood

determined hopeful defiant

Type

personal health philosophical

When to use this quote

  • End-of-life planning
  • personal health decisions
  • creative coping
  • supportive environments

Key Concepts

personal agency acceptance coping mechanisms life fulfillment

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does “shaking hands with Death” mean to you?
  • How can humor aid in facing terminal illness?
A Different Perspective

His optimism may overlook the harsh realities of disease progression.

2.2 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Terry Pratchett

Explore all 3,328 Terry Pratchett quotes

More Alzheimer quotes

Browse all 179 Alzheimer quotes