What Happened
Martin Frizell, the husband of former TV presenter Fiona Phillips, has criticized the UK Government for its insufficient funding for Alzheimer’s treatments, labeling it as ageism. This statement comes in light of Phillips’ diagnosis with early onset dementia, which she publicly announced in 2023. Initially mistaking her symptoms for menopause, Phillips has since authored a book titled Remember When: My Life with Alzheimer’s.
Why It Matters
Frizell emphasized that Alzheimer’s disease is not solely an affliction of the elderly, noting that thousands are diagnosed before the age of 65. He expressed concern over the lack of financial support for Alzheimer’s research, highlighting that dementia is a leading cause of death, surpassing breast cancer and even COVID-19 during the pandemic. He criticized Health Secretary Wes Streeting for removing the NHS target for dementia diagnosis rates, stating, “Why are we not putting more money into Britain’s biggest killer?”
What’s Next
While Fiona Phillips has previously discussed her condition, Frizell revealed that she no longer wishes to talk about her illness. He mentioned that she is experiencing chronic depression, a common symptom of dementia, and described her as feeling frightened. As the couple navigates this challenging journey, Frizell continues to advocate for increased awareness and funding for Alzheimer’s research.