Latest news with #RememberWhen:MylifewithAlzheimer's
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Fiona Phillips ‘distressed' after failing to recognise her own son in heartbreaking Alzheimer's battle, reveals husband
She was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's in 2022 DISTRESSED Fiona Phillips 'distressed' after failing to recognise her own son in heartbreaking Alzheimer's battle, reveals husband Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FIONA Phillips was 'distressed' after she failed to recognise her own son amid her Alzheimer's battle. The popular broadcaster, 64, was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's in 2022 and her condition has deteriorated since, with her even failing to recognise her son Nat. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 6 Fiona Phillips was distressed after she failed to recognise her own son Credit: Getty 6 She has been married to Martin Frizell since 1997 Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 6 Fiona and Martin share sons Mackenzie Frizell and Nathaniel Frizell Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Fiona has two sons, Nat, 24, and Mackenzie, 21. Her husband Martin Frizell, 66, whom she shares her boys with, has now revealed that Fiona became "distressed" when she asked who the man was who was in their kitchen In Fiona's new book, Remember When: My life with Alzheimer's, Martin narrates part of it. In an extract published in The Mirror Martin recalls the moment Fiona didn't recognise her eldest time. He pens in the tome: "One weekend, Nat was home from the Army and making tea in the kitchen while Fiona and I sat watching television." He added: "She became terribly distressed. 'Who's that man in the kitchen?' she asked me. 'That's Nat' I said gently. 'Our son. He's home for the weekend'," he explained. Martin went on: "She was in such a state that she didn't even seem upset that she had asked the question." He then said that Nat would have been "devastated" to hear his mother being unable to recognise him. Meanwhile, Mail had an exclusive extract, also, where Martin writes in the book: "We did tackle one fear and talked to Fiona's consultant about whether she had inherited the illness from her parents. "She then had a genetic test, because if she carried the gene for Alzheimer's there was a danger the boys would have it, too, which in turn might mean them thinking about IVF if they wanted children, in order to break the genetic line. Fiona Phillips' husband Martin Frizell gives devastating update on her Alzheimer's battle as he appears on This Morning "Thankfully, the test was negative.' He added: "That meant she didn't carry the gene so the boys wouldn't either. But the doctor said she was clearly predisposed to Alzheimer's. "I didn't entirely understand what he meant. How could someone be 'predisposed' to a particular disease if there wasn't something in their genetic make-up that determined it?". Fiona, whose late mum and dad both had Alzheimer's, left GMTV in December 2008 to spend more time with her family. She took on small jobs such as a stint on Strictly Come Dancing in 2005 and presenting a Channel 4 documentary titled Mum, Dad, Alzheimer's And Me in 2009. But Fiona admitted she never felt 'completely right' and became 'disconnected' from her family. She was also starting to struggle with mood swings, erratic behaviour and an inability to complete everyday tasks, such as going to the bank. Things came to a head with Martin in 2021 and he moved out of the family home, accusing her of 'zoning out' of their marriage. After three weeks apart, the couple met at a hotel and agreed they wanted to stay together — but that things had to change. Fiona had initially suspected the exhaustion, anxiety and brain fog she had been battling was a side-effect of Long Covid. She contracted the virus in 2020. But by then, Fiona was wondering if her symptoms were down to menopause. Martin urged her to talk to telly doctor Dr Louise Newson, who specialised in the menopause and recommended a course of hormone replacement therapy. But after several months of seeing little change, Dr Newson recommended she be properly assessed. In 2022, a consultant broke the heartbreaking news to the couple that Fiona, then 61, had early onset Alzheimer's. 6 Fiona found out she had early onset Alzheimer's in 2022 Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk 6 Martin write about his wife's Alzheimer's battle in her new book Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Fiona Phillips ‘distressed' after failing to recognise her own son in heartbreaking Alzheimer's battle, reveals husband
FIONA Phillips was 'distressed' after she failed to recognise her own son amid her Alzheimer's battle. The popular broadcaster, 64, was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's in 2022 and her condition has deteriorated since, with her even failing to recognise her son Nat. 6 Fiona Phillips was distressed after she failed to recognise her own son Credit: Getty 6 She has been married to Martin Frizell since 1997 Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 6 Fiona and Martin share sons Mackenzie Frizell and Nathaniel Frizell Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Fiona has two sons, Nat, 24, and Mackenzie, 21. Her husband Martin Frizell, 66, whom she shares her boys with, has now revealed that Fiona became "distressed" when she asked who the man was who was in their kitchen In Fiona's new book, Remember When: My life with Alzheimer's, Martin narrates part of it. In an extract published in Read More about Fiona Phillips He pens in the tome: "One weekend, Nat was home from the Army and making tea in the kitchen while Fiona and I sat watching television." He added: "She became terribly distressed. 'Who's that man in the kitchen?' she asked me. 'That's Nat' I said gently. 'Our son. He's home for the weekend'," he explained. Martin went on: "She was in such a state that she didn't even seem upset that she had asked the question." He then said that Nat would have been "devastated" to hear his mother being unable to recognise him. Most read in News TV Meanwhile, Mail had an exclusive extract, also, where Martin writes in the book: "We did tackle one fear and talked to Fiona's consultant about whether she had inherited the illness from her parents. "She then had a genetic test, because if she carried the gene for Alzheimer's there was a danger the boys would have it, too, which in turn might mean them thinking about Fiona Phillips' husband Martin Frizell gives devastating update on her Alzheimer's battle as he appears on This Morning "Thankfully, the test was negative.' He added: "That meant she didn't carry the gene so the boys wouldn't either. But the doctor said she was clearly predisposed to Alzheimer's. "I didn't entirely understand what he meant. How could someone be 'predisposed' to a particular disease if there wasn't something in their genetic make-up that determined it?". Fiona, whose late mum and dad both had Alzheimer's, left GMTV in December 2008 to spend more time with her family. She took on small jobs such as a stint on Strictly Come Dancing in 2005 and presenting a Channel 4 documentary titled Mum, Dad, Alzheimer's And Me in 2009. But She was also starting to struggle with mood swings, erratic behaviour and an inability to complete everyday tasks, such as going to the bank. Things came to a head with Martin in 2021 and he moved out of the family home, accusing her of 'zoning out' of their marriage. After three weeks apart, the couple met at a hotel and agreed they wanted to stay together — but that things had to change. Fiona had initially suspected the But by then, Fiona was wondering if her symptoms were down to menopause. Martin urged her to talk to telly doctor Dr Louise Newson, who specialised in the menopause and recommended a course of hormone replacement therapy. But after several months of seeing little change, Dr Newson recommended she be properly assessed. In 2022, a consultant broke the heartbreaking news to the couple that Fiona, then 61, had early onset Alzheimer's. 6 Fiona found out she had early onset Alzheimer's in 2022 Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk 6 Martin write about his wife's Alzheimer's battle in her new book Credit: Getty 6 The pair are doting parents to their two adult sons Credit: Rex
Metro
3 days ago
- Health
- Metro
Fiona Phillips' husband recalls 'utterly gut-wrenching' moment she was diagnosed
Fiona Phillips' husband Martin Frizell has shared the story of the moment the TV presenter was diagnosed with Alzheimer's aged 61. The GMTV host, now 64, and her husband have been candid about the impact of the early-onset version of the memory disease since going public with her diagnosis in 2023. In a new interview ahead of the publication of Fiona's new memoir, Remember When: My life with Alzheimer's, Martin opened up about the process of writing the book, his wife's deteriorating health, and the 'dreadful' day the doctor delivered the life-changing diagnosis. 'We went to [the hospital] to get the results of tests, and the consultant said: 'I'm sorry, but I believe it's Alzheimer's.' And it's like, oh. Gulp. Then he said, 'I'll go and get you a cup of tea, here's some reading for you.' 'He pushed a leaflet across the table and on the front cover was an old couple, with a Zimmer frame, basically saying: 'How to live well with Alzheimer's.' It just doesn't relate to you,' the former ITV This Morning editor told The Telegraph. In the book, he adds further details of how the image of Fiona as a 61-year-old wearing 'skinny jeans and heels' didn't match up to the image of a 'degenerative disease for old people'. He added: 'It shouldn't be happening to someone as young as Fiona. It was utterly gut-wrenching. Sickening. We just looked at each other. S**t! What are we going to do now?' Martin offered his support in the creation of the memoir, going from writing a 'few paragraphs' to '24,000 words' as he moved from 'writing about what a great woman she is' to expressing his anger at the lack of support for people with early-onset Alzheimer's. Both Fiona's parents were diagnosed with Alzheimer's, even so she chalked her 'brain fog' down to menopause before she discovered the truth. The married couple of 28 years, parents to sons Nat, 26, and Mackenzie, 23, underwent genetic testing to confirm that the disease wasn't hereditary with the blood tests 'coming back negative'. Early-onset Alzheimer's is also known as young-onset dementia or younger-onset Alzheimer's. It is the label given to anyone who receives a diagnosis before they turn 65. According to Alzheimer's Research UK, an estimated 70,800 people with dementia in the UK have young onset, and Alzheimer's disease accounts for around one in three cases of young onset dementia. It is thought at least five in every 100 people with Alzheimer's are under 65, however the figure may be higher. According to the NHS, the symptoms of Alzheimer's can begin with usually minor memory problems, but can develop into: confusion, disorientation and getting lost in familiar places difficulty planning or making decisions problems with speech and language problems moving around without assistance or performing self-care tasks personality changes, such as becoming aggressive, demanding and suspicious of others hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there) and delusions (believing things that are untrue) low mood or anxiety Elsewhere in the memoir, Martin explained that he had wished she had been diagnosed with 'cancer instead'. More Trending 'It's a shocking thing to say, but at least then she might have had a chance of a cure, and certainly would have had a treatment pathway and an array of support and care packages,' he said. Martin now supports Fiona in 'day-to-day' activities like cooking, brushing her teeth, showering and dressing her, all with the support of a trained carer. As for the media personality, she has found discussing her life now 'agonisingly difficult'. View More » 'Sometimes I get halfway through a sentence and I can't remember where I was heading with it or the word I was looking for. It feels awful,' she said, comparing her condition to 'trying to chase a £5 note that's fallen out of your purse on a gusty day'. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
Daily Record
23-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Fiona Phillips spotted for first time in over a year after Alzheimer's diagnosis
Fiona Philips was pictured for the first time in over a year as she opened up about her battle with Alzheimer's Fiona Phillips has been spotted for the first time in over a year, following her decision to step back from public life. The ex-breakfast telly host, 64, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2022 and made her diagnosis public a year later. She is now preparing to share insights into her health and life post-diagnosis in her forthcoming book, Remember When: My life with Alzheimer's. Fiona has been receiving the support of her husband Martin Frizell, who recently resigned as This Morning boss to dedicate more time to their family. Martin has assisted her in writing the book, which is set to be published in July. Fiona was last seen in public at the funeral of Kate Garraway's late husband Derek Draper in 2024. In anticipation of her book's release, Fiona radiated positivity in a new photograph. She is also ready to discuss her gradual memory loss and confusion, along with the early warning signs. Martin, who has been wedded to Fiona for 26 years, left his ITV role in February to look after Fiona and has also shared his experiences in the book, reports the Mirror. According to the NHS, Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent cause of dementia in the UK. Dementia refers to a group of symptoms linked with a continuous decline of brain functioning, affecting memory, thinking skills and other mental abilities. Although the exact cause of Alzheimer's is still unclear, Fiona has provided insight into her experience with the condition. In her book, she expressed her hope that it would offer a glimpse into what living with Alzheimer's is like, stating: "I hope this book can show people a little about what it is like to live with Alzheimer's. "How frightening and confusing it is. But also how much life can still bring joy and be valued. And if you or someone you love is in the early stages of Alzheimer's, I hope this book brings you some comfort... you are not alone." Fiona revealed her diagnosis with early onset dementia in 2023, initially mistaking her symptoms of "brain fog and anxiety" for menopause. She had previously cared for her parents, who also suffered from Alzheimer's. As a TV presenter, Fiona created documentaries about her family's experience with dementia, including "Mum, Dad, Alzheimer's And Me" in 2009 and "My Family And Alzheimer's" in 2010. She left the TV industry in 2018 due to anxiety, having worked on GMTV from 1993 to 2008 and presented various documentaries and episodes of Panorama. In November, her husband Martin announced his departure as editor of ITV's This Morning after over a decade in the role. He commented: "Next year I'm expecting my family priorities to change, so I need to free up time for them. "I love my team at ITV and will miss them, and the thrill of live telly, but it's an always on, 24 hours a day, seven days a week commitment, and I won't be able to do both." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. Fiona had said that she gets three daily injections as part of drug trials at University College Hospital in London. Her stance was clear when she stated: "I've always spoken out about Alzheimer's whether through a book, a documentary or lobbying prime ministers and now that it's turned up on my doorstep I'm not for stopping. "It's devastated my family and it's the biggest health and social care challenge we face as a country."
Daily Mirror
23-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Fiona Phillips seen for first time in a year as she addresses Alzheimer's battle
Former breakfast TV presenter Fiona Phillips has been photographed for the first time in over a year as she speaks out about her Alzheimer's diagnosis ahead of her book release Fiona Phillips has been photographed for the first time in over a year after taking a step away from the spotlight. The former breakfast TV presenter, 64, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2022 and shared her diagnosis with the public a year later. She is now set to open up on her health and life since the diagnosis in her new book, Remember When: My life with Alzheimer's. Fiona has been receiving the support of her husband Martin Frizell, who recently stepped down as his role of This Morning boss to spend more time with their family. Martin has helped her write the book, which will be released in July. Fiona was last photographed in public at Kate Garraway's late husband Derek Draper's funeral in 2024. To mark the upcoming release of her book, Fiona beamed in a new photo. She is also set to open up on her gradual loss of memory and confusion while discussing the early warning signs. Martin, who has been married to Fiona for 26 years, stepped down from his ITV position in February to take care of Fiona and has also shared his experience in the book. According to the NHS, Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia in the UK. Dementia is the name for a group of symptoms associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning and it can affect memory, thinking skills and other mental abilities. The exact cause of Alzheimer's disease is not yet fully understood. Speaking about the new book earlier this year, Fiona said: "I hope this book can show people a little about what it is like to live with Alzheimer's. "How frightening and confusing it is. But also how much life can still bring joy and be valued. And if you or someone you love is in the early stages of Alzheimer's, I hope this book brings you some comfort. I want you to know, you are not alone." Fiona announced in 2023 that she had been diagnosed with early onset dementia, after initially thinking she was having menopause symptoms when she first started experiencing "brain fog and anxiety". She already had first hand experience of Alzheimer's having cared for her parents after both of them were also diagnosed with the condition. The TV star has made two documentaries on the condition in 2009's Mum, Dad, Alzheimer's And Me, about her family's history of dementia, and My Family And Alzheimer's (2010). Fiona quit TV in 2018 after she started to suffer from anxiety, having presented GMTV from 1993 to 2008, before going on to head up a number of documentaries and episodes of Panorama. She was also one of the Mirror's longest-serving columnists. Her husband Martin announced in November he was stepping down from his role as editor of ITV's This Morning after more than a decade. He said: 'Next year I'm expecting my family priorities to change, so I need to free up time for them. I love my team at ITV and will miss them, and the thrill of live telly, but it's an always on, 24 hours a day, seven days a week commitment, and I won't be able to do both.' When speaking out about her condition, Fiona previously said she has three daily injections as part of drug trials at University College Hospital in London. She said: 'I've always spoken out about Alzheimer's whether through a book, a documentary or lobbying prime ministers and now that it's turned up on my doorstep I'm not for stopping. It's devastated my family and it's the biggest health and social care challenge we face as a country."
