Wendy Williams diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia

TELEVISION

By Francesca Bacardi

Wendy Williams has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia, her team announced Thursday morning.

“As Wendy’s fans know, she has been open with the public in the past about her medical struggles with Graves’ disease and lymphedema, as well as other significant health challenges.”

The press release explains that the former “Wendy Williams Show” host, 59, underwent a series of tests in 2023 after her memory began to fail and she began “losing words” and “acting erratically.” ”.

Doctors concluded that Williams’ problems were due to these neurodegenerative diseases.

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a group of disorders that occur when nerve cells in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain are lost. according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. FTD can affect behavior, personality, language, and movement.

“Receiving a diagnosis has allowed Wendy to receive the medical care she needs,” the statement said.

“The decision to share this news was a difficult one and was made after careful consideration, not only to advocate for understanding and compassion for Wendy, but also to raise awareness about aphasia and frontotemporal dementia and support thousands of people who face similar circumstances.

The press release assured fans that the former shock jock is “still capable of doing a lot of things on her own” and has maintained her “signature sense of humor.”

Williams, who remains at an undisclosed treatment facility where her family says they have been unable to locate her, has been receiving the care she needs to ensure she is “protected,” the statement said.

“She appreciates the many kind thoughts and well wishes sent her way.”

The revelation of Williams’ illness, which famous actor Bruce Willis also suffers from, comes before the premiere of the Lifetime documentary “Where’s Wendy Williams?”

Filmed over two years and produced by Williams, the two-part documentary will delve into the media personality’s deteriorating health and alcoholism, all of which contributed to her being placed under court-ordered conservatorship in 2022. .

Fans first became concerned about Williams’ health when she collapsed on air during the Halloween episode of her daytime talk show in 2017.

A year later, he linked the health problem to the diagnosis of Graves’ disease, but shortly after that admission he agreed to live in a sober house to treat his alcoholism.

History in development…