Dr. Hilary was visibly emotional during his appearance on Good Morning Britain as he discussed his close friend Fiona Phillips’ surprising diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Fiona had expressed concerns about her brain fog symptoms being related to menopause, but doctors confirmed it was actually Alzheimer’s.
Speaking about Fiona, who he collaborated with for a decade on GMTV, Dr. Hilary described her as a “lovely person” who was warm and welcoming to everyone. He shared his heartfelt sympathy, sending her love and support, and commended her for speaking out about her diagnosis to raise awareness for others.
Dr. Hilary also explained the medical side of Fiona’s treatment, mentioning that she is participating in a trial for a drug called miridesap. This drug aims to reduce the accumulation of amyloid protein in the nerve cells, allowing for better communication between brain cells. While Fiona doesn’t know whether she is taking the active drug or a placebo, the study at University College Hospital will contribute to finding effective treatments for Alzheimer’s in the future.
Fiona and her husband were completely shocked by the diagnosis, as she had been experiencing anxiety, confusion, and brain fog. Initially, she sought help from a menopause specialist and underwent hormone replacement therapy, which improved some symptoms but not the brain fog. After extensive testing, including a spinal tap, she received her official diagnosis.
The moment of hearing the news was devastating for Fiona and her husband, leaving them in shock and unsure of what to do next. They found solace in each other’s company and decided to continue living their lives as normally as possible. Fiona is now participating in a potentially groundbreaking drug trial that could offer hope for millions of people with Alzheimer’s.
Throughout this difficult journey, Fiona’s husband has been a pillar of support. They have two children together, and while they had not directly informed them of Fiona’s diagnosis until recently, they remain a strong and loving family unit.
Fiona’s battle with Alzheimer’s is deeply personal, as it has affected multiple members of her family. Initially, they thought her symptoms were related to menopause, which is not uncommon as dementia and Alzheimer’s can share symptoms with hormonal changes. Seeking a diagnosis for these overlapping symptoms can be challenging for women going through menopause.
Fiona’s career in journalism began at local radio stations before she joined GMTV as an entertainment correspondent. She then became the main anchor from Monday to Wednesday, until she left the show in 2008 to prioritize her family following the deaths of her parents, who both had Alzheimer’s. She has been vocal about her frustrations with her father’s care and even referred to it as “manslaughter,” suspecting that certain medications may have contributed to his decline.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder characterized by the accumulation of abnormal proteins, leading to the death of nerve cells. It causes a range of symptoms, including memory loss, disorientation, mood swings, and behavioral changes. There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, but treatments such as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and memantine can help manage symptoms. Additionally, non-pharmaceutical approaches like mental training are recommended to improve memory.
Source: Alzheimer’s Association and the NHS
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