Journalist and TV presenter Fiona Phillips has announced she is battling Alzheimer's aged just 62. The star got the devastating news last year, after she began suffering months of brain fog and anxiety.
Fiona told the Mirror the disease has 'ravaged' her family, after losing both her parents to Alzheimer's. She is currently undergoing trials for a revolutionary new drug which scientists hope could slow or even reverse the illness for millions of sufferers in the years to come.
She said: "This disease has ravaged my family and now it has come for me. And all over the country there are people of all different ages whose lives are being affected by it - it’s heartbreaking. I just hope I can help find a cure which might make things better for others in the future."
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“It’s something I might have thought I’d get at 80”, she added. “But I was still only 61 years old. I felt more angry than anything else because this disease has already impacted my life in so many ways."
Fiona tragically lost both her mother and father to the cruel disease along with her grandparents and uncle who also received the diagnosis.
The 62-year-old was carrying the secret of her illness for 18 months but has chosen to share the news with readers of the Mirror, where she has been a columnist for almost 20 years.
As well as her column in the national newspaper Phillips anchored GMTV for more than a decade from 1997. She also competed on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2005. She is married to Martin Frizell, editor of ITV’s flagship programme.
Phillips told the Mirror that despite fearing she would one day be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, the news was still a 'gut punching, shuddering shock'. She is taking part in clinical trials at University College Hospital in London, which aim to revolutionise future treatment.
“My poor mum was crippled with it, then my dad, my grandparents, my uncle. It just keeps coming back for us,” she said. “There is still an issue with this disease that the public thinks of old people, bending over a stick, talking to themselves.
“But I’m still here, getting out and about, meeting friends for coffee, going for dinner with Martin and walking every day.
“No one has known because I haven’t been blaring out loud, ‘oh yeah, I’ve got Alzheimer's'. And I have been so worried people will judge me or put labels on me. It’s a horrible bloody secret to divulge.”
Fiona, who is mum to Nat, aged 24, and Mackenzie, 21, spoke out about her diagnosis in a bid to raise awareness of the disease and put an end to the 'stigma' surrounding it. The news came after menopause specialists suggested Fiona sought further help to explain why she was struggling with her memory and, after months of cognitive tests, the diagnosis she had dreaded was delivered to her.
Kate Lee, chief executive at Alzheimer’s Society, praised Phillips’ decision to share her diagnosis, which raised 'much-needed awareness of dementia'.
“Our thoughts are with our ambassador Fiona Phillips and her family following the announcement that she’s living with dementia,” Ms Lee said.
“Fiona has frequently spoken out about her parents’ experiences of dementia, and her support of Alzheimer’s Society has been hugely impactful and greatly appreciated. Sharing such personal news publicly raises much-needed awareness of dementia and we are extremely grateful to Fiona. We are here to offer our support to Fiona and her family and to everyone affected by dementia.”
People seeking help with dementia can visit alzheimers.org.uk or contact the support line on 0333 150 3456.
