Fiona Phillips' husband urges PM to act on dementia after sharing photo

Martin Frizell has shared a new photograph of his wife, Fiona Phillips, and called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to deliver on promises to improve dementia care. The post, uploaded to Instagram on 29 July, shows Phillips smiling at breakfast. Frizell wrote that she had once been asked to work with Burnham when he was Health Secretary.

Phillips, a former GMTV presenter, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s in 2023. She first noticed symptoms, including brain fog and anxiety, which she initially attributed to menopause. Frizell has previously said that at times she does not recognise him as her husband.

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Call for government action

In his Instagram caption, Frizell said Burnham’s personal experience of dementia, his father has Alzheimer’s, could make him "the most consequential politician of his generation" if he acts on care reform. He wrote that dementia has been neglected for decades, despite being "our biggest killer".

Frizell questioned how the country would afford proper treatment but argued that families affected by dementia would not object to higher taxes to fund care. He added, "If in doubt spend a day with an Alzheimer’s family and you’ll see why there’s so much hope riding on Andy Burnham and Louise Casey."

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“If the new Prime Minister... follows through on making a difference to sufferers like Fiona, his dad and millions of others then he will become the most consequential politician of his generation.”

Martin Frizell, Fiona Phillips’ husband

Charity responds

The Alzheimer’s Society commented on Frizell’s post, thanking him for speaking out. A spokesperson said, "We welcome the government’s commitment to tackling social care and look forward to working with our new Prime Minister on reforms that will leave a lasting legacy for people living with dementia now and in the future."

Followers on Instagram responded with messages of support. One wrote, "So much love to you both." Another said, "She looks beautiful Martin... let’s hope this new Prime Minister sorts things out regarding Alzheimer’s."

Phillips’ memoir

Phillips has written a memoir, *Remember When*, with Frizell’s help. The book aims to support others diagnosed with dementia. According to the NHS, Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, involving a progressive decline in memory, thinking and other mental abilities. There is no cure, but some medicines can temporarily ease symptoms.

What happens next is unclear. The government has not yet outlined specific plans for dementia care reform. The Alzheimer’s Society said it would work with ministers on the issue.