Fiona Phillips announced she had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2023 (Image: ITV)
Fiona Phillips admitted it is “frightening and confusing” living with Alzheimer’s disease, but hopes to show how life “can still bring joy” in her new book.
The former breakfast TV host announced in 2023 that she had been diagnosed with early onset dementia after experiencing “brain fog and anxiety”, which she originally believed were symptoms of menopause.
The presenter, 64, cared for her parents after they were both diagnosed with the condition.
Hoping to show what it’s like to live with the disease, Fiona will publish Remember When, which she wrote with the help of her husband Martin Frizell and journalist Alison Phillips.
Of her moving memoir, 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.”
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Fiona hopes to show what it’s like to live with Alzheimer’s in her new book (Image: Pan Macmillan)
However, Fiona hopes people can see the positive side as she continued: “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.”
From the first warning signs to the gradual loss of her memories and her growing confusion, the broadcaster reveals how she copes as the disease progresses.
She also shares her experiences with the NHS and the systems that may seem difficult for patients and their families to navigate. Martin, who stepped down as the editor of This Morning last year, also offers his perspective in the book.
The Kent-born star made two documentaries on her family’s history of living with the condition. Mum, Dad, Alzheimer’s and Me was released in 2009 while My Family and Alzheimer’s aired the following year.
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Fiona’s husband Martin Frizell also offers his perspective in the book (Image: Getty)
Fiona has also served as an ambassador for Alzheimer’s UK.
Speaking about her new book, Ingrid Connell, publishing director at Pan Macmillan, said: “As a broadcaster, Fiona was known to be warm, empathetic and honest, and those very qualities are what makes this book stand out.
“She refuses to sugar-coat the truth about Alzheimer’s and her positivity and desire to help others impacted by the disease are inspirational.”
After a lengthy and successful career, Fiona stepped down from TV after she began to suffer with anxiety. She presented GMTV from 1993 to 2008 and went on to front a number of documentaries as well as episodes of Panorama.
