Fiona Phillips is a well-known and respected journalist, broadcaster and television presenter in the UK. She has been in the public eye for over three decades, hosting popular shows such as GMTV Today, Loose Women, Watchdog and The Truth About…Sugar. She has also been a columnist for the Daily Mirror and a patron of several charities.
But behind her successful career and cheerful personality, Fiona Phillips has been facing a personal challenge that she only recently revealed to the world: she has Alzheimer’s disease.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, a condition that affects the brain and memory. It is a progressive and irreversible disease that gradually destroys the nerve cells in the brain, leading to problems with thinking, reasoning, language and behaviour.
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but there are treatments that can help slow down its progression and manage its symptoms. Some of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include:
- Memory loss, especially of recent events
- Confusion and disorientation
- Difficulty finding words or following conversations
- Changes in mood and personality
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Problems with daily tasks such as dressing, eating or managing finances
The exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not known, but it is thought to be influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. Some of the risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s disease include:
- Age: The risk increases with age, especially after 65
- Family history: Having a close relative with Alzheimer’s disease increases the risk
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than men
- Health conditions: Having diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or cardiovascular disease can increase the risk
- Lifestyle: Smoking, drinking excessively, being physically inactive or having a poor diet can increase the risk
How did Fiona Phillips discover she had Alzheimer’s disease?
Fiona Phillips first noticed something was wrong when she started experiencing brain fog and anxiety in 2022. She initially attributed it to stress and menopause, but when her symptoms persisted, she decided to seek medical help.
Fiona underwent a series of tests, including blood tests, brain scans and cognitive assessments, and was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in July 2022. She was shocked and devastated by the news but also relieved to have an explanation for her condition.
Fiona Phillips decided to keep her diagnosis private for a year, only telling her close family and friends. She continued working as a journalist and presenter but also started taking medication to slow down the progression of her disease. She also joined a clinical trial for a new drug that aims to prevent the build-up of amyloid plaques in the brain, which are thought to be one of the causes of Alzheimer’s disease.
In July 2023, Fiona decided to go public with her diagnosis in an interview with Lorraine Kelly on ITV. She said she wanted to raise awareness and break the stigma around dementia, as well as inspire other people who are living with the condition.
Fiona said: “I’m not ashamed of having Alzheimer’s. She further added, “It’s not my fault. It’s not something I’ve done wrong. It’s just something that happened to me. And I want to show people that you can still live a full and meaningful life with dementia.”
How is Fiona Phillips coping with her condition?
Fiona Phillips has been praised for her courage and honesty in sharing her story. She has received an outpouring of support from her fans, colleagues and celebrities, who have commended her for being an inspiration and a role model.
Fiona has said she is determined to stay optimistic about her future. She said she is grateful for the love and support of her husband, Martin Frizell, a TV editor and producer, and her two sons, Nathaniel and Mackenzie.
She said she is also thankful for the opportunity to participate in the clinical trial for the new drug, which she hopes will make a difference for herself and others with Alzheimer’s disease.
Fiona Phillips said: “I’m hopeful that this drug will work. I’m hopeful that it will slow down or stop the progression of my disease.” She said, “I’m hopeful that will give me more time with my family and career. I hope it will help find a cure for Alzheimer’s.”
Fiona has also said she is not giving up on her passions and hobbies. She said she enjoys reading, writing, gardening and travelling. She said she also loves learning new things and challenging herself.
Ms Phillips said: “I don’t want to let Alzheimer’s define me or limit me. I want to keep doing what I love and what makes me happy. I want to keep living my life to the fullest.”
Fiona Phillips is an example of strength, resilience and grace in adversity.
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