It is a cruel condition that slowly robs patients of their memories, so much so that they can no longer recognize the faces of their loved ones.
But the earliest symptoms of dementia, such as memory loss and concentration problems, can also be a result of menopause.
Charities themselves admit that it can be ‘difficult’ to tell them apart for women under 65.
Such was the case for Fiona Phillips, who heartbreakingly revealed her own Alzheimer’s battle last night at age 62.
The former GMTV presenter’s ‘brain fog’ was believed to be due to menopause and she was on hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Changes in humor and increased swearing are all signs of Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) – a form of dementia that causes problems with behavior and language. According to experts, poor parking and scruffy clothing are also signs of the memory-robbing disease. Graphic shows: Six signs of Alzheimer’s disease
Ms. Phillips hosted GMTV for over a decade before leaving the show (Photo: Ms. Phillips next to Eamonn Holmes)
But while her other symptoms, such as anxiety and confusion, subsided, Ms. Phillips’ brain fog persisted, leading to her devastating early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s.
Ms Phillips, whose parents both died of the disease, shared her ‘terrible’ secret in the Daily Mirror, where she writes a regular column. ‘.
An estimated 70,000 people in the UK have early onset dementia, when the progressive disorder starts before the age of 65.
This may overlap with menopause, a biological phenomenon that usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55.
The state of perimenopause — the time from the onset of menopausal symptoms to after a woman has had her last menstrual period — can last for years, says Dementia UK.
Telltale symptoms include changes in menstrual flow, hot flashes, and poor sleep.
Still, the decrease in estrogen can also lead to brain fog, an umbrella term used to describe problems with memory, concentration, and focus.
‘This can affect every aspect of daily life at home and at work,’ says Dementia UK. “It can be difficult to remember words, lose items, or multitask. This can affect their performance at work.
‘Some take time off because of their complaints; others reduce their hours or even decide to quit because of the impact on their work.’
Paul Edwards, director of clinical services at the charity, added: “In some women, dementia and Alzheimer’s symptoms may develop at the same time as perimenopause or menopause.”
He said this can create “additional challenges when it comes to seeking a diagnosis” and that many people are “unaware of these shared symptoms.”
Dementia UK adds that it can be ‘difficult to determine whether these symptoms are caused by perimenopause/menopause, early onset dementia or both’.
However, an advice book co-authored with The Menopause Charity states that memory problems are not usually the first symptoms of dementia.
‘There are more chances of changes in vision and spatial awareness, language problems and behavioral changes’, according to the guidance.
“Family members, friends and colleagues may be the first to notice these changes, often before the person.”
Fiona Phillips has revealed that she and husband Martin Frizell were left in ‘total shock’ when doctors diagnosed her with Alzheimer’s after fearing her brain fog symptoms were a sign of menopause. The pair are pictured together in 2016
Ms. Phillips hosted GMTV for over a decade before leaving the show (Photo: Ms. Phillips next to Eamonn Holmes)
Fiona Williams pictured with her father, Neville, who died of the disease in 2012
By choosing to speak publicly about her experience, Mr Edwards said Ms Phillips will help to ‘raise vital awareness of this and help others in a similar situation get an accurate diagnosis, giving them access to the support and medication they need’.
He added: “We hope Fiona and her family get the support they need after her Alzheimer’s diagnosis, and we applaud their courage to openly discuss her experience.”
Ms Phillips revealed last night that she began to suffer from ‘paralyzing anxiety’, ‘confusion’ and ‘brain fog’ in late 2021.
Due to the nature of her symptoms, the former GMTV host saw a menopause specialist and underwent hormone replacement therapy.
But while some of her symptoms improved, the brain fog remained.
She was then examined by other specialists, spent months completing cognitive tests and finally received her dreaded diagnosis last year, which was confirmed by an epidural test.
Mrs. Phillips told The mirror the diagnosis left her feeling “boostier than anything else” because of the impact it was already having on “my life in so many ways.”