Former talk show host Wendy Williams has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, according to a press release from her team. The news comes just before the release of a Lifetime docuseries about Williams, “Where Is Wendy Williams?”, made with her cooperation.
Williams, who stopped hosting her talk show in 2022 amid various health struggles, including a Covid-19 diagnosis, has been open about her medical issues, including autoimmune conditions such as Graves’ Disease. The press release addressed previous questions about her ability to process information, erratic behavior, and difficulty with financial transactions.
The official diagnosis in 2023 revealed primary progressive aphasia, a condition affecting language and communication abilities, and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a progressive disorder impacting behavior and cognitive functions.
As Wendy’s fans are aware, in the past she has been open with the public about her medical struggles with Graves’ Disease and Lymphedema as well as other significant challenges related to her health.
Over the past few years, questions have been raised at times 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 financial transactions.
In 2023, after undergoing a battery of medical tests, Wendy was officially diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Aphasia, a condition affecting language and communication abilities, and frontotemporal dementia, a progressive disorder impacting behavior and cognitive functions, have already presented significant hurdles in Wendy’s life.
The release, which was issued to “correct inaccurate and hurtful rumors about [Williams’] health” also stated:
The decision to share this news was difficult and made after careful consideration, not only to advocate for understanding and compassion for Wendy, but to raise awareness about aphasia and frontotemporal dementia.
The release aimed to correct inaccurate rumors about Williams’ health and raise awareness about aphasia and FTD. It mentioned that Wendy is still able to do many things for herself, maintaining her sense of humor, and receiving the necessary care.
Williams’ family, speaking exclusively to People, mentioned her emotional healing and improvement since the docuseries was made. Her sister, Wanda Finnie, stated that Wendy is in a healing place emotionally and is not the person depicted in the film.
The news has sparked conversations about these health conditions and the importance of awareness and compassion.
