ITV presenter Fiona Phillips has revealed she’s been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
The 62-year-old journalist was told she had the illness a year ago after suffering months of brain fog and anxiety.
She is now undergoing trials as part of research into a revolutionary treatment being investigated by scientists.
Confirming her ‘heartbreaking’ diagnosis to The Mirror, columnist Fiona said the disease has ‘ravaged’ her family and has now ‘come for’ her, having previously lost both of her parents to Alzheimer’s.
‘And all over the country there are people of all different ages whose lives are being affected by it – it’s heartbreaking,’ she said.
‘I just hope I can help find a cure which might make things better for others in the future.’
‘It’s something I might have thought I’d get at 80. But I was still only 61 years old,’ she added.
The former breakfast TV host continued: ‘I felt more angry than anything else because this disease has already impacted my life in so many ways; my poor mum was crippled with it, then my dad, my grandparents, my uncle. It just keeps coming back for us.’
The GMTV host has chosen to share her diagnosis publicly now after keeping it to herself for 18 months, admitting it was a ‘horrible secret’.
‘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.’
However, the mum-of-two – who has children Nat, aged 24, and Mackenzie, 21 – decided she can no longer hide her condition.
So, she’s hoping to challenge stigma and encourage conversations by telling her story.
‘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.’
As a result of her bravery, Alzheimer’s Society, for which Fiona is an ambassador, has heaped praise on the TV star.
Chief Executive Kate Lee told Metro.co.uk: ‘Our thoughts are with our Ambassador Fiona Phillips and her family following the announcement that she’s living with dementia.
‘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, through our website and dementia support line on 0333 150 3456.’
Fiona has also done extensive work with Alzheimer’s Research UK, who added: ‘Fiona’s been a friend of Alzheimer’s Research UK’s for well over a decade, and her support has shone such a valuable spotlight on the importance of research in overcoming the diseases that cause dementia.
‘There are around 70,800 people with dementia in the UK who, like Fiona, are under 65 and we’re determined to find a cure to end the heartbreak it causes. And we’re so grateful to Fiona for standing with us in our mission.’
Fiona became a household name when she fronted GMTV in the late 1990s.
Then, in 2005, she competed in Strictly Come Dancing, with Brendan Cole as her partner.
Viewers may also know her as a Loose Women panelist in the 2000s, her presenting work on BBC One’s Watchdog, or her agony aunt column with New! magazine.
More information about Alzheimer’s disease
More information about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia can be found at the Alzheimer’s Society website: alzheimers.org.uk.
You can contact their support line on 0333 150 3456.
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