Signs of three stages of Alzheimer’s explained as TV presenter reveals first symptoms she noticed

British journalist and former GMTV host Fiona Phillips revealed her early-onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis in 2023, initially mistaking her symptoms for menopause. In her memoir Remember When: My Life with Alzheimer’s, she shares her journey with the disease, which she was diagnosed with in 2022.

Early-onset Alzheimer’s affects people under 65, with about 200,000 Americans aged 30 to 64 diagnosed, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Phillips described frequent anxiety attacks and brain fog, initially attributing them to menopause. Although public figures were openly discussing menopause, she noticed her symptoms didn’t quite match theirs—she lacked hot flushes but felt overwhelmed and emotionally unpredictable.

Simple tasks triggered panic, and she struggled to control her mood swings. Despite recognizing her behavior was unusual, she felt powerless to stop it, describing a loss of control over her life.

Alzheimer’s typically progresses in three stages. In the early stage, symptoms include mild memory loss, misplacing items, confusion, and mood changes such as anxiety and hesitation.

The middle stage involves more severe memory loss, difficulty recognizing loved ones, delusions, repetitive behavior, and speech issues. People often require assistance with daily activities due to increased disorientation and emotional instability.

In the late stage, full-time care becomes necessary. Patients may lose mobility, speech, and the ability to eat or swallow properly. Aggression, hallucinations, and incontinence are common, along with a complete decline in memory and physical ability.

For support with Alzheimer’s, contact the Alzheimer’s Association at 800.272.3900, available 24/7.