Remember When
-
-
4.6 • 9 Ratings
-
-
- £11.99
Publisher Description
This audiobook is narrated by Julie Maisey and Fiona's husband, Martin Frizell.
'I hope this book can show people a little about what it is like to live with Alzheimer’s. How frightening and confusing it is. But also how much life can still bring joy and be valued.'
Much-loved broadcaster Fiona Phillips was sixty-one when she discovered that she had early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. She had cared for her parents who had both suffered from the disease and now she was facing the same heartbreaking diagnosis – under no illusions about what it would mean for her and her family.
With courage and determination, Fiona set out to chronicle what was happening to her in the hope that her book would help others. From the tiny first warning signs – the inability to concentrate and the ‘brain fog’ she wrote off as the menopause – to the gradual loss of her memories and her growing confusion, she reveals how the disease progresses and how she copes. She also shares her experiences with the NHS and the systems that may seem hard for patients and their families to navigate.
Written with Fiona’s trademark honesty, Remember When is a compelling and moving memoir as well as a book offering an important insight into life with a disease that will impact many of us.
'Fiona is one of the strongest, kindest and bravest women I know and her honesty and resilience shine through on every page' – Lorraine Kelly
'Fiona and her family are just incredible! The strength, the love, the way they’ve handled everything with such grace and courage is so inspiring' – Alison Hammond
Customer Reviews
*Heartbreaking*
I chose to listen to the audiobook narrated by Julie Maisey and Martin Frizell (Fiona’s husband). Unfortunately, Fiona wasn’t able to narrate it herself. Diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at age 61, the most common form of dementia, she sadly witnessed both her parents suffer from the same disease. Having cared for them throughout their lives, Fiona felt the inevitable arrival of Alzheimer’s for herself.
History seemed to repeat itself as she initially misinterpreted her mother’s withdrawal and standoffish behaviour. However, in hindsight, she realised what was truly happening. There was a degree of denial, attributing some symptoms to menopause, a common reaction to the fear of Alzheimer’s.
The story unfolds through Fiona’s early life, her parents’ challenging marriage and her career as a broadcaster. Tragically, while writing this book, she needed help from close friends and her husband to recall certain aspects of her life. Her hope is to offer readers a glimpse into her experiences. The book’s journey began in 2023 and was released in July 2025. Towards the end, Fiona struggled to remember that the book was being written.
Martin’s narration provides an insight into his perspective, yet he often acknowledges Fiona’s suffering. He also highlights the inadequate support available for Alzheimer’s.
Accompanying the audiobook is a PDF file containing the last chapter of the book. Martin believed the final words should be Fiona’s. Given her condition, they felt it would be more authentic as a transcript of a personal conversation between Martin and Fiona, which took place in March 2025. These are her words at the beginning of the PDF file, which deeply moved me.
“To Martin, Nat and Mackenzie – the men I love.
I don’t dedicate this story of loss to you.
Instead, I dedicate the good times and laughter we’ve shared.
Cherish those memories for me.”
One fact I found interesting is that Fiona is predisposed to getting Alzheimer’s disease. These are some of the factors.
Family history. The genes you inherit from your parents can contribute to your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, although the actual increase in risk is small. But in a few families, Alzheimer's disease is caused by the inheritance of a single gene and the risks of the condition being passed on are much higher.
Professor Catherine Mummery is a consultant neurologist who leads the cognitive disorders service at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. She tries to answer questions at the end of the book about Alzheimer’s.
Alison Phillips, former editor of the Daily Mirror, is a close friend and confidante of broadcaster Fiona Phillips. Alison worked with Fiona and her husband, Martin Frizzell, to share the story of Fiona's Alzheimer's diagnosis.
❣️I must add that I am watching my charismatic, outgoing father disappear and I have lost three people to this disease they call ‘The long goodbye’❣️