Davina McCall says ordeal felt like 'Alzheimer's' after surgery
The 57-year-old TV personality and Big Brother legend discussed the memory loss she experienced following brain surgery
Davina McCall has shared a frightening experience she had following her brain surgery. The TV star discovered she had a rare 14-mm colloid cyst, which affects only three in every million people, during a chance health check in 2023.
Thankfully, the tumour was benign, and in 2024, Davina had neurosurgeon Kevin O'Neill successfully remove it. But in a new episode of her podcast, Begin Again, she revealed just how much it affected her memory and perception of everything around her.
In a conversation with Heart Radio DJ, Jamie Theakston, she said: "Can I tell you a weird thing? I understand a bit about [symptoms of dementia] because I woke up with no short-term memory, and it's come back very, very slowly over three months. And I struggled with all of those feelings when I was just out of hospital."
Jamie said: "Like an Alzheimer's," to which Davina replied: "Yeah, it was. I got paranoid. I got like, insecure. I didn't trust people that I love and trust. It was horrible, but I could feel it coming back. Rather than losing it.
"It gave me a new, well, obviously, you know, my dad died of Alzheimer's. It gave me a new appreciation for what he'd been through and for what your dad is going through now, and what it really feels like it, it's extraordinary."
Alzheimer's disease is a neurological condition that progressively impairs memory, cognitive abilities, and ultimately, the capacity to perform basic tasks. It is the most common form of dementia, which currently impacts more than 944,000 people in the UK.
Davina's father passed away from dementia in 2022, just six years after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Davina, 57, previously said that he had consistently been her rock and she'd always slightly 'hero-worshipped' him.
Speaking with the Alzheimer's Society in 2017 before he passed away, she said: "I've always slightly hero-worshipped him. So when he started saying funny things like, 'I took the overland train' and 'Call me when your work is less explosive', it didn't take us long to all come together and ask each other if we should be concerned.
"The psychologist that first assessed him said that he could have been affected for a while – but he is so clever that he had come up with strategies. That's my dad – see a problem, come up with a strategy." She added: "I have grieved the loss of my old dad."
Besides the temporary loss of her memory, Davina also lost a worrying four kilograms of muscle in the aftermath of her brain surgery. While it's been a long road to recovery, she now feels much stronger in her body and mind.
"I felt like my memory was coming back and I was feeling stronger in myself, in my mind," she recently told Women's Health. "But working on my body was going to be the last bit of joy to come back to my life."
Early red flags of dementia
Dementia can come in different forms, and each type can impact people in varying ways. However, a few common red flags usually appear during its onset.
According to the NHS, these are:
Finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks, such as getting confused over the correct change when shopping
Memory loss
Difficulty concentrating
Being confused about time and place
Mood changes
Struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word
Anyone concerned about their symptoms should seek guidance from a medical professional.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wales Online
6 hours ago
- Wales Online
Celeb nutritionist shares 5 handy food rules to combat tummy trouble this Summer
Celeb nutritionist shares 5 handy food rules to combat tummy trouble this Summer Whether it's a city break, beach holiday, or staycation, there's one thing that can really ruin your trip away - and that's a dodgy tummy. But one expert may have the answer This summer, five key nutrition rules could help you avoid tummy troubles abroad (Image: Getty ) With June officially upon us and the summer holidays just weeks away, an increasing number of us are beginning to contemplate our holiday plans. Whether it's discovering the domestic wonders of the British Isles, enjoying a taste of European allure on a mini city-break, or jetting off for a longer stay on a sun-drenched beach - one thing is certain, you won't want a troublesome tummy ruining your plans. Digestive issues reportedly affect between 30% and 70% of holidaymakers each year, depending on which study you refer to. This suggests that while it may be embarrassing to be confined to the loo, suffering from cramps, or battling with nausea, you're certainly not alone if you've ever been struck down whilst trying to enjoy a holiday. So why do people fall ill and what can they do to prevent it? Travel itself is one of the main factors contributing to illness when going abroad, particularly when crossing multiple time zones. This can disrupt your body's natural circadian rhythm, affecting everything from sleep to digestion and even hormone production, reports the Express. Travelling across timezones can disrupt our circadian rhythm leading to sickness (Image: Getty ) This means you might struggle to fall asleep, wake up feeling fatigued, experience digestive problems, or suffer from mood swings - all things that can dampen the joy of a much-anticipated holiday. And it's not just major changes that can cause issues, but a combination of minor alterations that can wreak havoc on your health, according to Women's Health. Celebrity nutritionist and author Gabriela Peacock has shed light on the importance of maintaining a routine, stating: "Even just shifting your routine, such as eating at odd times, sleeping less, or sitting for long periods, can cause imbalances. I always tell my clients: your body thrives on rhythm. "So, while travel naturally brings some chaos, anchoring your day with simple routines, like waking and eating at consistent times, staying hydrated, and getting sunlight early in the day, can help reset your internal clock." So how can we tackle this issue? Gabriela suggests several key strategies to prevent an upset stomach while travelling, including walking after meals, drinking plenty of water, and incorporating fibre into your diet early in the day. She also advises drinking filtered water where possible and enhancing gut health with a probiotic. However, it's her five essential nutritional guidelines that truly make a difference and can bring joy back to any holidaymaker's face this summer season. Start with protein It only seems fitting to start Gabriela's recommendations with the most important meal of the day - and that's breakfast. She recommends starting off with a healthy dose of protein in the morning, such as eggs, avocado, or Greek yoghurt with berries. Stay hydrated Hydration also plays a key part in avoiding tummy trouble (Image: Getty ) In hot climates it may seem like a no-brainer, but closer to home we're often guilty of neglecting our water intake. Gabriela recommends staying hydrated, particularly during and after long flights, and even suggests boosting electrolytes with a pinch of Celtic sea salt or pre-packaged sachets to ensure your body is in tip-top shape for the day ahead. Don't skip meals When away from home there can sometimes be a tendency to skip meals while trying to cram everything into a day, but this a huge no-no, according to Gabriela as skipping meals often backfires later with sugar crashes or overeating. Instead, she recommends eating regular balanced meals to help keep blood sugar stable. Snacks are a godsend If you don't fancy tucking into a solid meal, snacks can be a good alternative option particularly if you pick healthy choices that pack a protein punch. ' I always travel with some nuts, a protein bar, or sachets of protein powder so I'm never caught off guard,' explained Peacock. ' You can get great cured meats in Europe too – which act as a great high-protein snack!' Don't be afraid to try local food When travelling, don't be afraid to indulge in local cuisine while you're experiencing a new place. Whether that's a delicious Akee and Saltfish in Jamaica, a dreamy Linguine in Italy, or a Sukiyaki hotpot in Japan, experiencing the different flavours and delicacies while abroad can add a huge new sensory element to your getaway. Article continues below However, while Gabriela highly encourages tucking in, she does add that you should monitor your own body, and try not to eat too heavily for several days in a row to avoid any unfortunate mishaps.
Daily Record
6 hours ago
- Daily Record
5 holiday food rules this celeb nutritionist swears by to keep tummy trouble at bay
Celebrity nutritionist Gabriela Peacock has shared her top tips for avoiding a dodgy tummy while on holiday - and they're easier to follow than you might think With June now officially upon us and the summer holidays just weeks away, many of us are beginning to plan our getaways. Whether it's discovering the hidden gems of the British Isles, soaking up some European charm on a mini city-break, or jetting off for a longer stay on a sun-drenched beach - one thing is certain, you don't want an upset stomach ruining your plans. Digestive issues reportedly affect between 30% and 70% of holidaymakers each year, depending on which study you refer to. This suggests that while it may be embarrassing to be confined to the loo, suffering from cramps, or battling with nausea, you're certainly not alone if you've ever been struck down while trying to enjoy a holiday. So, why do people fall ill and what can they do to prevent it? Travel itself is one of the main factors contributing to illness when going abroad, particularly when crossing multiple time zones. This can disrupt your body's natural circadian rhythm, affecting everything from sleep to digestion and even hormone production, reports the Express. This disruption can make it harder to fall asleep, leave you feeling tired upon waking, cause digestive problems, or result in mood swings - all things that can dampen the excitement of a much-anticipated holiday. And it's not just major changes that can cause issues, but a combination of small deviations can also have a detrimental impact on your health, according to Women's Health. Celebrity nutritionist and author Gabriela Peacock has shared her insights on the importance of maintaining a routine, stating: "Even just shifting your routine, such as eating at odd times, sleeping less, or sitting for long periods, can cause imbalances. I always tell my clients: your body thrives on rhythm." She further explained: "So, while travel naturally brings some chaos, anchoring your day with simple routines, like waking and eating at consistent times, staying hydrated, and getting sunlight early in the day, can help reset your internal clock." But how can we tackle this issue? Start with protein It only seems fitting to start Gabriela's recommendations with the most important meal of the day - and that's breakfast. She recommends starting off with a healthy dose of protein in the morning, such as eggs, avocado, or Greek yoghurt with berries. Stay hydrated In hot climates it may seem like a no-brainer, but closer to home we're often guilty of neglecting our water intake. Gabriela recommends staying hydrated, particularly during and after long flights, and even suggests boosting electrolytes with a pinch of Celtic sea salt or pre-packaged sachets to ensure your body is in tip-top shape for the day ahead. Don't skip meals When away from home there can sometimes be a tendency to skip meals while trying to cram everything into a day, but this a huge no-no, according to Gabriela as skipping meals often backfires later with sugar crashes or overeating. Instead, she recommends eating regular balanced meals to help keep blood sugar stable. Snacks are a godsend If you don't fancy tucking into a solid meal, snacks can be a good alternative option particularly if you pick healthy choices that pack a protein punch. ' I always travel with some nuts, a protein bar, or sachets of protein powder so I'm never caught off guard,' explained Peacock. ' You can get great cured meats in Europe too – which act as a great high-protein snack!' Don't be afraid to try local food When travelling, don't be afraid to indulge in local cuisine while you're experiencing a new place. Whether that's a delicious Akee and Saltfish in Jamaica, a dreamy Linguine in Italy, or a Sukiyaki hotpot in Japan, experiencing the different flavours and delicacies while abroad can add a huge new sensory element to your getaway. However, while Gabriela highly encourages tucking in, she does add that you should monitor your own body, and try not to eat too heavily for several days in a row to avoid any unfortunate mishaps.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Daily Mail
Davina McCall 57, looks sensational in bright orange mini dress after receiving the all clear from her brain tumour as she joins A-list stars at DJ Fat Tony's wedding
joined a host of A-list stars on Saturday to celebrate DJ Fat Tony's wedding to Stavros Agapiou. The TV presenter, 57, turned heads in a bright orange mini dress as she arrived to the chapel holding hands with her partner Michael Douglas. She ensured all eyes were on her as she flaunted her incredible figure in the strapless mini dress that showed off her svelte waist. The star teamed the bold ensemble with a pair of black pixie boots and styled her raven locks into a half up do with a black bow. She accessorised with an array of gold necklaces and a pair of oversized sunglasses. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Davina - who underwent a six-hour operation after she was diagnosed with a colloid cyst, a rare type of benign brain tumour in November - looked happier than ever as she laughed and joked along the street as she made her way into the Welsh Chapel. As she spotted Coronation Street star Claire Sweeny, she made a beeline for the actress engulfing her into a huge hug. Davina's partner of five years, Michael joined her for the celebration and equally stood-out from the crowd in a bright red open collar blazer, with a white and black trim on the lapels. He paired it with black trousers and red socks, whilst donning some red framed sunglasses. The celebrity hair stylist then finished off his daring look with a plethora of dazzling necklaces. Fat Tony, real name Tony Marnach, 58, and Stavros, 32, who have been engaged since October 2023, were sent a sweet good luck message from Davina McCall ahead of the big day as she shared her love for them. In a video shared to Fat Tony's Instagram, Davina, could be seen beaming into the camera as she remarked: 'Tony, Stavros, I'm so excited because the forecast for Saturday is amazing! 'I'm so happy for you guys, I'm so excited, I'm so excited to give you both a hug and welcome in this new and brilliant phase of your life. And I'm just sending you both so much love. The star teamed the bold ensemble with a pair of black pixie boots and styled her raven locks into a half up do with a black bow (pictured hugging actress Claire Sweeney) Davina's partner of five years, Michael joined her for the celebration and equally stood-out from the crowd in a bright red open collar blazer, with a white and black trim on the lapels 'I hope you're not too stressed, I don't think you will be. I'm really, me and Michael [Douglas, her partner] are really looking forward to celebrating with you both on Saturday. We love you so much. Love you, bye.' Captioning his post with a message back to Davina, Tony penned: 'We love you @davinamccall @mdlondon we can't wait to celebrate with you and all our family and friends on Saturday #thegreatestdayofmylife @stavrosagapiou.' Davina joined an array of A-list guests to celebrate the happy couple on their special day including Coronation Street's Claire Sweeney and TOWIE 's Gemma Collins, with the likes of the Beckhams and Kate Moss also thought to be attending. It comes after Davina appeared in a video with her partner Michael, where she gave a health update after undergoing an MRI scan. The TV personality also shared unseen before and after snaps from her scan revealing that the tumour has completely disappeared from her brain. Accompanying the video, Davina wrote: 'So here it is. Our final brain surgery update. Had the final MRI this week. @ got everything out during surgery, it's not coming back. 'Thanks so so much to everyone at @onewelbeck and @clevelandclinic . To my mum and @mdlondon for taking such good care of me . To Sarah for being my BFF to my amazing kids. To @ for being the GOAT. 'I am so so grateful particularly because I know a lot of people have inoperable tumours and and I know I'm lucky to be able to draw a line under this and move on with my life when so many people can't. And I'm just gonna say this one more time. Benign does not mean fine.' The clip saw the Masked Singer judge and her celebrity hairdresser beau sitting in the sunshine, with Davina telling the camera: 'We thought's we'd post a final brain operation update', with Michael chiming in: 'It's good news!' She told how she had her final MRI last week and admitted that she was nervous' as if any of the tumour was left that it would grow back and she'd have to 'go through the whole thing again'. She noted that she'd 'mentally prepared herself' for that scenario, while Michael added that he too was nervous as it had been 'a huge journey'. Laughing with joy and relief, Davina then added: 'but it was clear!' The pair then held up two scan pictures, the first showing the tumour in her brain and the second showing that it had completely gone post-surgery. Davina went on: 'I want to say a massive thank you to everybody that looked after me so well. A special heartfelt thank you from both of us to Kevin for being such an absolute legend.' The couple also thanked the supportive fans and also their own families and friends, with Davina concluding by blowing a kiss to the camera.
