Wendy Williams Diagnosed with Aphasia and Frontotemporal Dementia

Former TV talk show host Wendy Williams has been diagnosed with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, her medical team announced. The 59-year-old received her diagnosis last year, and her conditions have presented significant hurdles in her life.

Despite the challenges, Williams is still able to do many things for herself and maintains her trademark sense of humor. Her team emphasized that she is receiving the care she requires to ensure her needs are addressed and that she is protected.

The news of Williams’ diagnosis comes just days before the premiere of a two-part documentary titled “Where is Wendy Williams?” on Lifetime. The documentary will detail her health battles following the end of her syndicated talk show in 2022.

Williams stepped away from broadcasting due to a series of health issues, including Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid. In 2022, her syndicated daytime talk show came to an end after a 13-year run on TV.

Her team shared the health update to correct inaccurate and hurtful rumors about her health, as many fans have been concerned but confused about her physical health and financial well-being in recent years. In 2022, Williams was placed under temporary financial guardianship after concerns were raised by her bank, Wells Fargo.

Aphasia is a condition that affects the ability to speak, write, and understand language, often occurring after strokes or head injuries. It can lead to dementia in some cases. Frontotemporal dementia, on the other hand, causes nerve damage in the frontal and temporal lobes, leading to a loss of function in those areas.

Treatment options for aphasia include speech and language therapy, while medications can help relieve symptoms of FTD. However, the disease tends to worsen over time.

Williams’ diagnosis sheds light on these conditions and the challenges individuals face when dealing with them. Despite the obstacles, Williams’ resilience and humor continue to shine through as she navigates her health battles.