Wendy Williams Diagnosed with Progressive Aphasia and Frontotemporal Dementia
Wendy Williams, the beloved talk show host, has recently been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia. The news came after Williams took a leave from her show in 2021 to address health concerns and underwent a series of medical tests in 2023.
Aphasia and frontotemporal dementia are conditions that affect language, communication, behavior, and function. Williams, who had previously been open about her Graves’ Disease and lymphedema diagnoses, shared the news in a statement expressing gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from fans.
The announcement of Williams’ diagnosis was made by her care team to dispel rumors and provide clarity on her health. The conditions had been evident in Williams’ behavior, including struggles with forming words and erratic actions during tapings of her show.
Aphasia, which leaves patients struggling to understand language and communicate, is often a symptom of other medical issues such as stroke or head injury. Frontotemporal dementia affects the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes, leading to changes in personality, behavior, and language.
Despite the challenges posed by her diagnoses, Williams’ team emphasized that she can still do many things for herself and maintains her sense of humor. The decision to make her diagnoses public was aimed at raising awareness about aphasia and frontotemporal dementia.
In addition to her health struggles, Williams has faced legal battles over a court-appointed guardianship and allegations of financial exploitation. A documentary on her life airing on Lifetime sheds light on these issues and her family’s concerns.
Through it all, Williams remains grateful for the support she has received and continues to advocate for understanding and compassion. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and the need for empathy in the face of challenging circumstances.
