Former GMTV star Fiona Phillips has opened up about the heartbreaking moment she asked her husband a question that laid bare the cruel reality of her Alzheimer's diagnosis. The 62-year-old broadcaster, who revealed her condition last year, shared the emotional toll the disease has taken on her family.
The Devastating Question
In a candid interview, Phillips recounted asking her husband Martin Frizell: "Is this how it's going to be now?" The simple yet profound question left her TV producer husband heartbroken as they both confronted the progressive nature of the disease.
A Family's Struggle
The couple, married for 25 years, have faced the challenge together with their two grown-up sons. Phillips described how her family has rallied around her, but admitted the diagnosis has been particularly painful for her loved ones to witness.
Early Symptoms
Phillips first noticed something was wrong when she began experiencing "brain fog" and forgetfulness during her time working on GMTV. What she initially dismissed as menopause or work stress was later confirmed as early-onset Alzheimer's.
Breaking the Stigma
By speaking out, Phillips hopes to challenge the stigma surrounding dementia. "People think Alzheimer's only affects the elderly," she said, "but it can strike much earlier." Her courageous decision to go public has brought attention to the thousands of younger people living with the condition.
Treatment and Hope
The television personality is currently undergoing an experimental treatment that she believes is slowing the disease's progression. While there's no cure, Phillips remains determined to make the most of every moment with her family.
