Why Fiona Phillips’ ‘brave decision’ to go public with Alzheimer’s diagnosis will ‘save others from heartbreak’

A research organisation has hailed Fiona Phillips for coming public with her diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s.

The award-winning presenter, 62, disclosed on Tuesday that she had been diagnosed with the deadly degenerative cancer.

Fiona has lost both parents and an uncle to Alzheimer’s disease and has long worked with the Alzheimer’s Research UK charity to raise awareness of the disease.

She claimed that she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease 18 months ago, at the age of 61.

Now Alzheimer’s Research UK has shared their gratitude for the mum-of-two, for her ‘brave decision’ to go public – something which could ‘save others from heartbreak.’

Hilary Evans, Chief Executive of the charity, said: ‘Public awareness has been one of the biggest barriers in our search for a cure for dementia.

‘For too long, the condition was hidden away and there was a stigma attached to a diagnosis, or people just assumed it was a natural part of ageing that happens to us all as we grow old. But dementia is caused by diseases in the brain. Diseases that, through research, can be cured. And that’s our aim here at Alzheimer’s Research UK.’

She noted that many people diagnosed with dementia can be fearful of ‘telling friends, family and, in Fiona’s case, the public,’ but ‘the more we share, the more we normalise diseases like Alzheimer’s.’

On a day where news headlines, morning chat shows and social media is discussing Fiona and the disease in general, Hilary added: ‘You can see the outpouring of love and support that followed her announcement. There aren’t many whose lives haven’t been touched by dementia – and if nothing changes, one in two of us will develop dementia, care for someone with the condition, or both, so there’s a lot of empathy, support and understanding out there.’

‘Fiona’s openness will help so many people who are worried about their own health,’ Hilary went on.

‘In her case, she thought the menopause might have been causing her early symptoms of brain fog. But rather than ignore it, she sought professional help. If anyone is ever worried about their health, our advice always is to go and speak to your GP, regardless of age.’

The charity ‘can’t thank Fiona enough for sharing her story and for being such a steadfast supporter of our work over the past decade.

‘At Alzheimer’s Research UK, we have more momentum behind us than ever in our search for a cure,

‘Fiona’s brave decision will only help speed up our efforts, so we can save others from this heartbreak.’

Hilary then expressed her love and support for Fiona and her family.

Fiona is thought to be one of roughly 70,800 individuals in the UK with dementia caused by young onset dementia, but the charity warns that the figure might be higher because getting an accurate diagnosis before the age of 65 can be difficult.

Fiona revealed in an honest and painful interview on Tuesday that she could no longer hide the diagnosis and had decided to share her story to help eradicate the stigma around Alzheimer’s.

‘There is still an issue with this disease that the public thinks of old people, bending over a stick, talking to themselves,’ she said.

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

She is taking part in clinical trials at University College Hospital in London, which aim to revolutionise future treatment.

Source My Celebrity Life.