Monty Python founding member Terry Jones diagnosed with dementia

Terry Jones, the actor and director renowned known for being a part of the Monty Python comedy group, has been diagnosed with a severe form of dementia.

Jones, 74, is a member of the Flying Circus group, formed in the 1960s with John Cleese, Eric Idle, Graham Chapman, Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam.

Reuters reported that a spokesperson for the comedian said he had been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia (PPA), which is a type of frontotemporal dementia.

"This illness affects his ability to communicate and he is no longer able to give interviews," the representative said in a statement on Thursday.

Jones directed Monty Python’s Life of Brian and The Meaning of Life, and was co-director for Monty Python and the Holy Grail.