Fiona Phillips: Shocking Revelation – Battling Alzheimer’s at 62

Fiona Phillips: Presenter Reveals She Has Alzheimer’s at 62

Published 14 hours ago

By Rachel Russell

About the Diagnosis

Fiona Phillips, a renowned journalist and broadcaster, has disclosed that she has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 62. She discovered her condition a year ago after experiencing months of brain fog and anxiety. Phillips, who previously hosted the ITV breakfast show GMTV, shared that dementia has had a devastating impact on her family, with her mother, father, and uncle also suffering from the disease. Despite the shock of her diagnosis, Phillips stated that she is “getting on with it” and wants to share her story to help others.

Impact on Family and Personal Reflections

Phillips expressed her anger at the disease, as it has already taken a tremendous toll on her family. She recounted how her mother, father, grandparents, and uncle had all been affected by Alzheimer’s, describing it as an incessant recurrence for their family. While she anticipated the possibility of being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s one day, she was taken aback when her doctor informed her that she was in the early stages of the disease at the age of 61. Phillips emphasized that she intends to continue living her life as normally as possible, refusing to let the disease dictate her future.

Current Treatment and Hope for the Future

Phillips revealed that she is participating in trials at University College Hospital in London for a drug called Miridesap, which has the potential to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s. She acknowledged her husband, Martin Frizell, for his unwavering support in administering the medication. The presenter expressed optimism about the new drug, which holds high expectations for both her and the medical community. Currently, she is focused on maintaining her routine and staying active, refusing to let the disease hinder her productivity.

Responses from Colleagues and Well-Wishers

Fellow TV presenter Lorraine Kelly took to Twitter to send her love to Phillips, praising her for her courage and resilience in the face of such devastating news. Susanna Reid, anchor of Good Morning Britain, conveyed the support and well wishes of everyone at the show to the “hugely popular presenter and journalist.” Ed Balls, former Education Secretary and co-host of Good Morning Britain, noted how impressed former Prime Minister Gordon Brown was with Phillips’ work, suggesting that she would have made an exceptional public health minister. The Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer’s Research UK commended Phillips for her bravery in sharing her diagnosis, as it brings much-needed awareness to dementia and offers support to others experiencing their own journeys with the disease.

About Early Onset Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease is predominantly associated with advanced age, with one in six people over the age of 80 developing the condition. Early onset, also referred to as young onset, Alzheimer’s is relatively rare but accounts for 5% of all cases. The primary risk factor for early onset Alzheimer’s is having close relatives who also developed the disease at a young age. Currently, there is no known way to prevent or cure early onset Alzheimer’s. It follows the same progressive course as Alzheimer’s in older populations, leading to memory loss, cognitive decline, and changes in behavior. While there are drugs available that can slightly slow the progression of the disease, they have not yet become readily accessible. Ongoing research, such as the trial of the drug Miridesap, aims to uncover new treatments that target the underlying causes of dementia.

Spotting the Early Signs of Alzheimer’s

The National Health Service (NHS) identifies memory lapses as the primary symptom of Alzheimer’s disease in its early stages. Individuals may experience the following:

• Forgetting recent conversations or events
• Misplacing items
• Forgetting names of places and objects
• Difficulty thinking of the right word
• Repetitive questioning
• Poor judgment and decision-making
• Decreased flexibility and hesitancy to try new things
• Changes in mood, such as increased anxiety, agitation, or confusion

If you or a loved one identifies with these symptoms, it is crucial to seek information, support, and medical assistance. The BBC Action Line website provides resources and organizations that can offer assistance and guidance regarding Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Sources:

• BBC News
• National Health Service (NHS)