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Davina McCall's 'Advanced Alzheimer's' After Brain Surgery
14 Oct
Summary
- McCall experienced severe memory loss post-brain surgery.
- She couldn't recall daily events for months.
- Music aided her recovery from cognitive issues.
Television presenter Davina McCall has revealed the extent of her memory struggles following surgery to remove a brain tumour in November 2024. She described experiencing memory loss so severe it felt like 'advanced Alzheimer's' for several months post-operation.
McCall recounted instances where she couldn't recognize hospital staff or recall her partner's visits shortly after he left the room. Her ability to follow movies or read books was also significantly impaired, lasting for up to six months due to her inability to retain information from even 15 minutes prior.
She shared that October 2025 marked the first time she woke up with a clear memory of the previous day. Music was a significant source of comfort and aid during her recovery. The benign 14mm colloid cyst was found incidentally during health checks related to her menopause advocacy.
The Royal College of Anaesthetists notes that post-operative cognitive issues, distinct from dementia, can affect memory and concentration for months or years. McCall's description of her condition is personal, emphasizing the profound impact on her cognitive functions.
