The automotive world and public radio listeners alike mourned the loss of Tom Magliozzi, co-host of NPR’s iconic show “Car Talk,” who passed away on Monday due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease. For countless fans, the news was a poignant reminder of the personal impact of this devastating illness, highlighting its often-understated fatal nature.
Tom, affectionately known as “Click” alongside his brother Ray “Clack,” wasn’t just a voice on the radio; he was a companion, a source of laughter, and surprisingly, a font of practical wisdom, all wrapped up in the guise of automotive advice. Like a cherished old car with its quirks and endearing flaws, “Car Talk” was a comforting presence in our lives. The news of Tom’s passing evokes a bittersweet feeling, reminiscent of a sudden breakdown on a road trip filled with joyful memories – a reminder of journeys shared and appreciated. For years, Tom and Ray Magliozzi entertained and enlightened audiences with their freewheeling, witty banter. Their conversations, ostensibly about sputtering engines and screeching brakes, often veered into the equally perplexing territory of human relationships, always delivered with genuine brotherly affection. They were the kind of guys you’d love to spend an afternoon with, offering not just car repair tips, but life lessons wrapped in humor and humility.
The passing of Tom Magliozzi serves as a stark reminder of a critical, yet often misunderstood, aspect of Alzheimer’s disease: its potential fatality. It’s a sobering fact that this condition, primarily known for its cognitive decline, can ultimately lead to death.
“I like to drive with the windows open. I mean, before you know it, you’re going to spend plenty of time sealed up in a box anyway, right?”
This quote, characteristic of Tom’s blend of humor and pragmatism, now carries an unexpected weight. While we can almost hear his and Ray’s signature infectious laughter imagining a Dodge Dart casket, Tom’s legacy extends beyond automotive amusement.
For those unfamiliar with “Car Talk,” Tom and Ray’s appeal might seem unconventional. But beneath the lighthearted banter and self-deprecating humor lay a deep respect for practical knowledge and a genuine curiosity about how things work. Tom, in particular, embodied a scientific approach to everyday problems. His legendary fix for a persistent idiot light – a piece of black electrical tape – was a testament to his pragmatic problem-solving. Yet, when it came to understanding car mechanics, Tom delved into first principles, patiently explaining the physics behind automotive malfunctions, even if Ray (and perhaps some listeners) feigned impatience with the technical details.
In that spirit, Tom would likely want us to understand the physical realities of Alzheimer’s. Beyond memory loss and confusion, Alzheimer’s inflicts damage on vital brain functions, including those controlling breathing, swallowing, and heartbeat. Recent research underscores the severity of this impact. A study in Neurology revealed that Alzheimer’s is significantly underreported as a cause of death, ranking it as the third leading cause in the United States, behind heart disease and cancer, a stark contrast to the CDC’s previous estimate of sixth. As Tom might have bluntly put it, “You can’t fix it.” Currently, there is no cure, and no treatment to halt its progression once diagnosed. The odds of developing Alzheimer’s at 85 are a sobering 50:50.
Even in his passing, Tom Magliozzi imparts a valuable, if somber, lesson. His life, celebrated through “Car Talk,” was dedicated to demystifying the complexities of cars with humor and accessible explanations. Now, his death serves to shed light on the equally complex and critical issue of Alzheimer’s disease.
To Ray, and the extended “Car Talk” family, we offer our deepest condolences and share in the celebration of Tom’s life and legacy. In lieu of flowers, and in keeping with the Magliozzi brothers’ spirit, the family requests donations to NPR or the Alzheimer’s Association. Remember Tom by supporting the radio station that brought “Car Talk” into our lives or by contributing to the fight against Alzheimer’s.
Donate to the Alzheimer’s Association
Reference:
James, B.D. et. al., (2014) Contribution of Alzheimer disease to mortality in the United States. Neurology 82:1-6.
