Fiona Phillips reveals Alzheimer’s diagnosis aged 61

TV presenter Fiona Phillips has revealed she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease last year, at the age of 61.

The broadcast journalist received the diagnosis a year ago after suffering with symptoms such as brain fog and anxiety.

She told The Mirror it’s something she has ‘feared for a long time’ and that it has ‘ravaged’ her family after both her parents, her grandparents and uncle were all ‘crippled’ with the disease.

Fiona, who is now 62, is undergoing trials for a revolutionary new drug which scientists hope could slow or even reverse the illness for millions of sufferers in the years to come.

The former GMTV presenter said: “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.”

Fiona lost both her parents to the cruel disease as well her grandparents and uncle.

She added: “It’s something I might have thought I’d get at 80. But I was still only 61 years old. I felt more angry than anything else because this disease has already impacted my life in so many ways.”

The former ITV journalist is now taking part in a University College Hospital clinical trial for the drug Miridesap, which could slow the progress of the disease.

However, half of the participants of the trial will take a placebo so she may be in that 50% that won’t get to see if the drug has any benefits.

Fiona, who is mum to Nat, aged 24, and Mackenzie, 21, continued: “Even if it isn’t helping me, these tests will be helping other people in the future so I just have to keep going.”

She’s chosen to go public with her diagnosis to help break the stigma around it and raise awareness, as she said: “There is still an issue with this disease that the public thinks of old people, bending over a stick, talking to themselves”.

“I’m still here, getting out and about, meeting friends for coffee, going for dinner with Martin and walking every day.”

ITV presenter, Lorraine Kelly responded to Fiona’s diagnosis being made public, writing on Twitter: “As expected our much loved Fiona is dealing with this shattering diagnosis with courage and optimism.

“She’s a good kind soul and I pray the treatment works and results in a massive breakthrough for everyone dealing with this hellish disease. Sending her and her family all my love.”

People seeking help with dementia can visit alzheimers.org.uk or contact the support line on 0333 150 3456.