Wilson 'had Alzheimer's when PM'
A University of Southampton expert examined Wilson's changing use of language while at the dispatch box.
The findings point to a possible decline in his mental function during his final months in office.
Researcher Dr Peter Garrard suggests this may have contributed to Wilson's decision to resign in April 1976.
The motives behind Wilson's resignation, which came as a surprise to most people, have long been a source of controversy.
Dr Garrard, an expert in neurology, has previously demonstrated the presence of Alzheimer-like linguistic changes in the later writings of the distinguished novelist Dame Iris Murdoch.
He analysed vocabulary trends in transcripts of Wilson's performance in the spontaneous cut and thrust of Prime Minister's question time throughout his two terms of office (1964-70, 1974-76).
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The findings point to a possible decline in his mental function during his final months in office.
Researcher Dr Peter Garrard suggests this may have contributed to Wilson's decision to resign in April 1976.
The motives behind Wilson's resignation, which came as a surprise to most people, have long been a source of controversy.
Dr Garrard, an expert in neurology, has previously demonstrated the presence of Alzheimer-like linguistic changes in the later writings of the distinguished novelist Dame Iris Murdoch.
He analysed vocabulary trends in transcripts of Wilson's performance in the spontaneous cut and thrust of Prime Minister's question time throughout his two terms of office (1964-70, 1974-76).