Terry Jones, of Monty Python fame, diagnosed with dementia

In this Saturday, Aug. 21, 2010 file photo, Terry Jones arrives at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards in Los Angeles. (AP)

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

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."