12 March 2024 , 10:12
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Lorraine Kelly has revealed that her health anxiety has increased following the sad Dementia diagnosis of her friend and former co-star, Fiona Phillips.
TV favourite Fiona, 63, shared her diagnosis in July 2023, leading to a flurry of support from friends and fans online. Mirror columnist Fiona told she had the illness a year ago after suffering months of brain fog and anxiety. She is undergoing trials for a revolutionary new drug which scientists hope could slow or even reverse the illness for millions of sufferers in the years to come.
At the time of her diagnosis, the former breakfast TV host said: "This disease has ravaged my family and now it has come for me. And all over the country there are people of all different ages whose lives are being affected by it - it’s heartbreaking. I just hope I can help find a cure which might make things better for others in the future."
Fiona was diagnosed with dementia last year (Getty Images)Deep down Fiona had long feared this moment was waiting for her. And yet it was still the most gut punching, shuddering shock when a doctor told her one afternoon last year: “Your results are back.. And yes, I’m afraid they do show early stages of Alzheimer's Disease."
“It’s something I might have thought I’d get at 80”, she said. “But I was still only 61 years old. “I felt more angry than anything else because this disease has already impacted my life in so many ways; my poor mum was crippled with it, then my dad, my grandparents, my uncle. It just keeps coming back for us.”
Red-faced Lorraine blindsided by raunchy texts from husband during live show
Following Fiona's diagnosis, Lorraine is now more aware of her own health fears as she grows older. Speaking to WOMAN Magazine, the TV star confessed: "As I get older, the only thing that's a big worry is health and losing myself.
"Obviously, my lovely friend Fiona has been diagnosed with dementia. She's OK, she's still here, still her. She's so bloody strong and has dealt with it with dignity and humour.
Lorraine and Fiona have been friends for decades (Getty Images)"It brings it home when it's someone you know. I do as much as I can. I do my Wordle and my crosswords every day, and try and eat well, but it's a horrible and cruel disease and it can affect anyone."
Lorraine also revealed that breast cancer scares her and plays on her mind a lot as she gets older. However, the TV star religiously gets mammograms at every given opportunity to get herself checked for any abnormal changes. "You've got to take responsibility for yourself and find your normal, because all boobies are different."
If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at Dementia UK.