TV presenter Fiona Philips reveals ‘heartbreaking’ Alzheimer’s analysis at 62
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V presenter Fiona Phillips has revealed she has been recognized with Alzheimer’s illness on the age of 62.
The presenter and Daily Mirror columnist stated the illness had “ravaged” her household and he or she had lengthy feared being given the analysis.
According to the Mirror, Phillips was recognized greater than a 12 months in the past and is present process trials for a brand new drug that might gradual the consequences of the illness.
Phillips, who’s an Alzheimer’s Society ambassador, informed the Mirror: “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.”
As nicely as her column within the nationwide newspaper Phillips anchored GMTV for greater than a decade from 1997. She additionally competed on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2005.
She is married to Martin Frizell, editor of ITV’s flagship programme.
Phillips informed the Mirror that regardless of fearing she would someday be recognized with Alzheimer’s, the news was nonetheless a “gut punching, shuddering shock”.
The presenter stated that she felt “more angry than anything else” as a result of illness already having impacted her household life.
“My poor mum was crippled with it, then my dad, my grandparents, my uncle. It just keeps coming back for us,” she stated.
Though she has stored the news personal for 18 months, Phillips stated she had determined to share her story to assist finish the stigma round Alzheimer’s.
“There is still an issue with this disease that the public thinks of old people, bending over a stick, talking to themselves,” she stated.
“But I’m still here, getting out and about, meeting friends for coffee, going for dinner with Martin and walking every day.”
She is participating in medical trials at University College Hospital in London, which intention to revolutionise future remedy.
Kate Lee, chief govt at Alzheimer’s Society, praised Phillips’ determination to share her analysis, 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 stated.
“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.”
Hilary Evans, chief govt of Alzheimer’s Research UK, stated: “We’re sending our love and support to Fiona and her family following her announcement that she’s living with Alzheimer’s disease.
“It takes such courage to go public with a diagnosis and Fiona knows better than most just how much good that can do.
“Awareness is vital and Fiona’s bravery will help untold people who are going through their own dementia journeys.
“Fiona’s been a friend of Alzheimer’s Research UK 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.”