V presenter Fiona Phillips has opened up about how Alzheimer’s illness has “ravaged” her household as she introduced she has been identified with the situation.

The former GMTV presenter, 62, was identified greater than a 12 months in the past after having “brain fog and anxiety” and initially thought she was experiencing menopause signs.

Phillips instructed the Daily Mirror newspaper that the situation has drastically impacted her household along with her mom, father, grandparents and uncle all having the sickness.

Here the PA news company takes a more in-depth take a look at the situation:

– What is Alzheimer’s illness?

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In the UK, Alzheimer’s illness is the commonest reason for dementia, which is the identify for a gaggle of signs related to an ongoing decline of mind operate, in accordance with the NHS web site.

It can have an effect on reminiscence, considering expertise and different psychological talents.

The NHS has mentioned the precise reason for Alzheimer’s illness just isn't but totally understood however various issues are thought to extend your danger of growing the situation together with advancing age, household historical past and life-style elements related to heart problems.

– What are the signs?

It is described as a “progressive condition” as signs are likely to develop steadily over a few years and infrequently change into extra extreme.

The first signal of the illness is normally minor reminiscence issues similar to forgetting latest conversations or the names of locations.

As the situation develops, this could grow to be the particular person experiencing confusion, disorientation and getting misplaced in acquainted locations.

It can even have an effect on an individual’s speech and language, mobility, temper and persona as they'll change into extra aggressive, demanding and suspicious of others.

– What are the causes?

The situation is regarded as brought on by the irregular build-up of proteins in and round mind cells.

Deposits of one in every of these proteins can type plaques round mind cells whereas one other may cause tangles inside them.

The NHS web site says that it not identified precisely what causes this course of to start however that scientists imagine it begins a few years earlier than signs seem.

– How many individuals are affected?

Alzheimer’s illness is commonest in individuals over the age of 65, and an estimated one in 14 individuals are affected at this stage in life, in accordance with the NHS web site.

The odds go up within the over-80 age bracket to at least one in each six individuals.

Early-onset Alzheimer’s illness describes those that are identified underneath the age of 65, with round one in each 20 individuals on this age vary estimated to be affected.

– How is Alzheimer’s illness handled?

There is at present no remedy for Alzheimer’s illness however there are medicines obtainable that may quickly enhance some signs.

Phillips is participating in a clinic trial which has a brand new drug that would sluggish the results of the illness, the Daily Mirror reported.

Her husband, Martin Frizell, editor of ITV’s flagship programme, This Morning, mentioned University College Hospital in London, which goals to revolutionise future therapy, could possibly be giving her “the real drug or a placebo”.

Charities such because the Alzheimer’s Society and the Alzheimer’s Association can even provide help to affected individuals and assist to those that are caring for them.