Jeremy Paxman considered assisted dying after being diagnosed with Parkinson's
Former University Challenge and Newsnight host Jeremy Paxman was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in March 2021.
Jeremy Paxman says doctor spotted his parkinson's from quiz show
Former University Challenge host Jeremy Paxman has admitted that he considered assisted suicide after being diagnosed with Parkinson's. The British journalist has been suffering from the condition since March 2021.
In a new interview with Saga Magazine, Jeremy shared that he thought about signing up for Dignitas, the assisted-dying clinic in Switzerland. He has previously shared that his illness has worsened over the years.
He revealed: "Yes, I have [thought about it]. But then I saw the Terry Pratchett film [Choosing To Die] and I couldn’t help noticing how scruffy some of the staff were in dirty T-shirts.
"I’m afraid the lack of personal hygiene rather put me off. I think it’s very hard on those left behind, too." He also touched on how despite being against it himself, he supports "anyone who makes this choice".
Jeremy added: "I don’t judge anyone who makes this choice, and I have a lot of sympathy for it. It is a deeply personal decision, so I do think people have the right to choose for themselves."
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Parkinson’s is an illness caused by a loss of nerve cells in the substantia nigra, a part of the brain that controls movements. Symptoms include slow movement and involuntary shaking, as well as memory loss and depression.
Jeremy has previously told The Sunday Times that his condition means he can no longer read or write properly. He said: "Just getting out of bed takes for ever."
The former host also admitted: "[Parkinson’s] may not kill you but it will make you wish you hadn’t been born. There’s nothing in it for the drug companies, it’s just more money for them."
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Over the years, Jeremy has helped launch the The Movers and Shakers podcast and even went to 10 Downing Street last week to present a petition, The Parky Charter, for five key policies to be implemented.
He recommended that patients should be granted quick access to specialists under the NHS, increased government funding for research for a cure and a Parkinson's passport for specific benefits.
Jeremy has also decided to donate his brain to help research into Parkinson’s.
For help and support, you can contact the Parkinson’s helpline on (800) 4PD-INFO (473-4636) or helpline@parkinson.org.
