Fiona Phillips Suspects Alzheimer's Contributed to Marriage Breakdown - OK! Magazine

Fiona Phillips has opened up about her private struggles with Alzheimer's disease and the toll it took on her marriage. While her relationship with ex-This Morning producer, Martin Frizell, seemed perfect from the outside, she believes her symptoms put a rift between them.

Fiona first discovered she had the progressive illness in 2022 after initially dismissing her brain fog and mood swings as menopause. However, the 64-year-old star now suspects Alzheimer's may have been impacting her much earlier, potentially affecting her marriage as well.

In a personal piece for the Mail On Sunday, she said: 'I'm sure the disease was at least partly responsible, but at the time neither of us could see it. I just became more and more disconnected from Martin and the boys.'

The 64-year-old presenter, known for her stint on GMTV, also reflected on her family history, as both her parents faced Alzheimer's. Despite suspecting she might one day face the diagnosis herself, Fiona confessed to being in denial.

Speaking about her husband, Martin, she continued: ''You've totally zoned out of our family and our marriage,' he would say to me. 'Don't be so bloody ridiculous!' I'd yell back.'

As the rows and strains escalated, Martin eventually announced he was departing from their family home. Despite this, Fiona didn't believe their relationship was beyond repair, instead thinking he was attempting to jolt her into change.

As reported by the Mirror, they were separated for a mere three weeks before exchanging messages and arranging a meet-up at a Hampshire hotel. Despite resolving their differences, she continued to wrestle with feelings of detachment.

In 2023, Fiona publicly revealed at the age of 62 that she had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. She and Martin have now celebrated nearly 30 years of marriage.

Dementia is a broad term, referring to various conditions associated with the continuous decline of brain function. Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body dementia, and vascular dementia are among these conditions.

According to the NHS, early signs of dementia may include:

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it's recommended to consult a GP.

Head to the NHS website for further information