TV presenter Fiona Phillips has been flooded with support after announcing she is battling Alzheimer's disease.
The 62-year-old was told she had the illness a year ago after suffering months of brain fog and anxiety. She's now 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.
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive condition, which means the symptoms develop gradually over time and will eventually become more severe. The rate at which symptoms develop for each individual will differ and the first showing symptoms may also vary.
READ MORE: Fiona Phillips, 62, announces Alzheimer's diagnosis
Common early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease can include forgetting recent conversations or events, as well as the names of people, places and objects, misplacing items, asking the same questions repeatedly, and finding it harder to make decisions.
People may also have trouble thinking of the right word, become more hesitant to try new things, and get lost in familiar places.
Alzheimer's Society says around one in 20 people with the disease will suffer different early symptoms. These include behavioural symptoms, such as losing inhibitions and losing motivation to do things they used to enjoy.
Those with atypical Alzheimer's may also become less sympathetic to the needs of others, show a reduced sense of humour, and no longer know when to stop eating or drinking. Other warning signs include finding it hard to judge distances and having problems with spatial awareness.
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