This year should be a time of triumph for writer David Milch. The man behind HBO’s underrated “Deadwood,” which found itself canceled after only 3 seasons (after being promised 4), is finally bringing fans what they’ve been anxiously awaiting — closure. That closure comes in the form of the long-awaited “Deadwood: The Movie,” which is set to premiere at the end of May on HBO. However, this year isn’t as triumphant for Milch, as it should be, as the writer just revealed that he’s been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
In a new interview with Vulture, the writer discussed his diagnosis and its effects. And sadly, like with almost every case of Alzheimer’s, the news isn’t very good.
“As best I understand it, which is minimally, I have a deterioration in the organization of my brain,” he says. “And it’s progressive. And in some ways discouraging. In more than some ways — in every way I can think of.”
Milch said he started to notice signs of the disease several years ago, but didn’t immediately go in for the diagnosis. The writer says that he noticed early signs like short temper and the inability to recall things. Of course, he also recognized that writing became harder. Ultimately, last year, Milch went in for a proper brain scan, which yielded the diagnosis that he feared.
This isn’t the writer’s first involvement with the dreaded disease. Earlier in his life, Milch watched what he now suspects was Alzheimer’s take its course with his father, which left a lasting impression on the writer.
“He was not well toward the end of his life,” he says. “He was every day encountering subtle differences in his condition. But there was an unflinching dignity in the way that he carried himself and a bravery and kindness.”
READ MORE: ‘Deadwood’ Movie Trailer: Old Rivalries & Wounds Are Reopened 12 Years Later
Obviously, details of the progress were not shared, but the members of the cast and crew of “Deadwood: The Movie” were made aware during the production of the film. And obviously, none of this will affect the film’s release date.
But, as his wife explains it, Alzheimer’s might not have affected much in the way of the progress of the “Deadwood” film, but it is something that they are hoping is slowed down by the fact that Milch’s very job demands him flex his brain muscles.
“I compare it to a musician who can still play and has access to the memory of how to do that and is still able to exercise his talent,” Rita Milch said. “The brain is David’s most exercised muscle.”
“Deadwood: The Movie” arrives on HBO on May 31.
