Monty Python's Terry Jones diagnosed with dementia

Terry Jones, one of the founding members of comedy troupe Monty Python, has been diagnosed with dementia.

Terry Jones, 74, has primary progressive aphasia, which erodes the ability to use language. (Andy Kropa/Invision/Associated Press)

In a statement released by Britain's film academy, a representative says the 74-year-old has primary progressive aphasia, which erodes the ability to use language.

As a result, Jones can no longer give interviews.

News of Jones' illness came in a statement announcing he is to receive an award for outstanding contribution to film and television from the academy's Welsh branch.

In the late 1960s Jones, John Cleese, Michael Palin, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam and the late Graham Chapman formed the surreal and anarchic Monty Python's Flying Circus.

Jones directed the Python films Life Of Brian and Monty Python's The Meaning Of Life. 

With Gilliam, he co-directed Monty Python and The Holy Grail. 

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Monty Python's Terry Jones diagnosed with dementia