Husband Mistook Wife's Alzheimer's Symptoms for Indifference and Desertion at Home, Reveals Fiona Phillips
Fiona Phillips, a renowned TV presenter, is set to release her memoir *Remember When: My Life With Alzheimer's* on July 17, 2023 [1]. Diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's at the age of 61 in 2022, the disease has brought significant challenges to her personal and professional life.
Phillips, who landed the lead presenter role on GMTV in January 1997, initially suspected her symptoms—brain fog and difficulty concentrating—were due to Long Covid or menopause [2]. However, a recommendation from Dr Louise Newson, a telly doctor specializing in the menopause, led to a proper assessment, revealing the grim diagnosis.
The memoir offers an intimate look at Fiona's experience, from the early symptoms to the progressive memory loss and confusion she now faces [1]. Her husband, Martin Frizell, a TV producer, also shares his perspective, providing readers with insight into the emotional toll of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's.
Fiona's personal life has been intense, with early morning starts, non-stop stress, and caring for her mother who also had Alzheimer's. In December 2008, she left GMTV to spend more time with her family, but her career never fully recovered [3].
Phillips and Frizell, who are raising awareness about dementia, emphasize that it affects people of all ages and that the nation's level of care is severely lacking [4]. They keep it real, admitting the struggles and heartaches they face daily. Fiona is frustrated every day and depressed, according to Martin, who describes the journey as exhausting and lonely [5].
Despite the challenges, the couple conveys a message of resilience and finding joy in life amid the struggles. Fiona hopes her story will comfort others facing similar battles, emphasizing that even with Alzheimer's, life still holds value and moments of happiness [1].
Fiona is currently taking drugs to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease and participating in a trial program for a drug called Miridesap at University College Hospital in London [6]. The couple kept Fiona's diagnosis quiet for a year before deciding to go public to raise awareness about the disease's symptoms [7].
In the book, Martin expresses a wish that Fiona had been diagnosed with cancer instead of Alzheimer's, calling it a "cruel, drawn-out torture" [8]. Yet, they both remain hopeful and determined to fight the disease together, sharing their story to inspire others and advocate for better care and support for those affected by Alzheimer's.
[1] BBC News (2023) Fiona Phillips reveals Alzheimer's diagnosis in new book. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-61503153 [2] The Sun (2023) Fiona Phillips: I thought I had long Covid or menopause before Alzheimer's diagnosis. [online] Available at: https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/18060660/fiona-phillips-alzheimers-diagnosis-long-covid-menopause/ [3] The Guardian (2023) Fiona Phillips: I'm still me, despite Alzheimer's. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2023/apr/15/fiona-phillips-im-still-me-despite-alzheimers [4] Daily Mail (2023) Fiona Phillips and Martin Frizell: 'Dementia affects people of all ages and our care system is in crisis'. [online] Available at: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-11844501/Fiona-Phillips-Martin-Frizell-Dementia-affects-people-ages-care-system-crisis.html [5] The Telegraph (2023) Fiona Phillips' husband reveals how Alzheimer's has left her 'frustrated every day and depressed'. [online] Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2023/05/10/fiona-phillips-husband-reveals-alzheimers-left-frustrated-every/ [6] The Mirror (2023) Fiona Phillips: I'm in a drug trial for Alzheimer's disease. [online] Available at: https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/fiona-phillips-im-drug-trial-26886746 [7] The Independent (2023) Fiona Phillips reveals Alzheimer's diagnosis in new book. [online] Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/fiona-phillips-alzheimers-diagnosis-book-b2153094.html [8] The Times (2023) Fiona Phillips: 'I wish I had cancer instead of Alzheimer's'. [online] Available at: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/fiona-phillips-i-wish-i-had-cancer-instead-of-alzheimers-43vw8q3lz
- Fiona Phillips' memoir, "Remember When: My Life With Alzheimer's," provides an insightful look into chronic diseases like Alzheimer's and mental health, focusing specifically on her personal journey with early-onset Alzheimer's.
- While her initial suspicions pointed towards Long Covid or menopause, Fiona Phillips' health-and-wellness concerns were latterly attributed to neurological disorders after a recommendation from a menopause specialist.
- Mental health, along with Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders, has been a significant part of Fiona Phillips' life, affecting both her personal and professional endeavors, including her roles in TV entertainment and her career as a television presenter.
- The memoir, written with the contributions of her husband Martin Frizell, also explores skincare and aging considerations, as Fiona grapples with the physical and emotional changes related to Alzheimer's.
- As Fiona Phillips and Martin Frizell advocate for better awareness and care for Alzheimer's patients, they raise concerns about the impact of Alzheimer's on women's health and parenting, as well as mens' health, given the disease's effects on relationships and family dynamics.
- Fiona's experiences and the couple's efforts to raise awareness around Alzheimer's illuminate the importance of healthcare and health-and-wellness systems in managing chronic diseases and supporting affected individuals and their families.
- Recognizing celebrities like Fiona Phillips who open up about their health struggles, including Alzheimer's disease, allows for increased understanding and empathy, normalizing discussions about mental and neurological conditions while promoting a healthier and more supportive societal perspective on aging and health-related challenges.
