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Wendy Williams’ team confirmed in a press release that the former daytime talk show host has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Aphasia is a condition that affects language and communication abilities, while FTD is a disorder that affects behavior and cognitive functions. Bruce Willis revealed last year that he too was diagnosed with the same type of dementia.
Williams made a name for herself as host of “The Wendy Williams Show” from 2008 to 2021. She left her hosting position due to medical issues and spoke publicly about her struggles with Graves’ disease and lymphedema. Her talk show was later canceled and she aired her final episode in June 2022 after several guest hosts replaced her.
“In recent years, questions have sometimes been raised about Wendy’s ability to process information and many have speculated about Wendy’s condition, particularly when she began to lose words, act erratically at times, and have difficulty understanding words. financial transactions,” the press reported. release states.
“The decision to share this news was difficult 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 statement added. “Unfortunately, many people diagnosed with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia face stigma and misunderstanding, particularly when they begin to exhibit behavioral changes but have not yet received a diagnosis.”
The news of Williams’ dementia disorder was announced ahead of the premiere of a two-part documentary about the daytime host airing on Lifetime. The documentary, titled “Where is Wendy Williams?”, is produced by her and takes a candid look at her life with Graves’ disease and more. Her sister, Wanda Finnie, recently said people magazine that Williams is now in a much better place and in better shape than what is shown in the documentary.
“I talked to her yesterday and I talk to her very regularly when she reaches out to me,” Wanda said. “She is, from what I understand, in an environment of well-being and healing… We cannot approach her, but she can approach us. And she is in a place of emotional healing. “She’s not the person you see in this movie.”
“Where is Wendy Williams?” It airs February 24 and 25 on Lifetime.