Wendy Williams‘ team has announced the former talk show host has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia.
You may recall that actor Bruce Willis received the same diagnosis in February 2023.
Related: Bruce Willis Diagnosed With Frontotemporal Dementia, Family Releases Statement
Wendy Williams Diagnosed With Aphasia & Dementia
Below, you’ll find the official statement released by Wendy’s team on Thursday, February 22, announcing her diagnosis.
On behalf of Wendy Williams Hunter, her care team is sharing this very personal update with her cherished fans, friends, and supporters to correct inaccurate and hurtful rumors about her health.
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.
Wendy would not have received confirmation of these diagnoses were it not for the diligence of her current care team, who she chose, and the extraordinary work of the specialists at Weill Cornell Medicine.
Receiving a diagnosis has enabled Wendy to receive the medical care she requires.
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 and support the thousands of others facing similar circumstances.
Unfortunately, many individuals 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.
There is hope that with early detection and far more empathy, the stigma associated with dementia will be eliminated, and those affected will receive the understanding, support, and care they deserve and need.
Wendy is still able to do many things for herself.
Most importantly she maintains her trademark sense of humor and is receiving the care she requires to make sure she is protected and that her needs are addressed.
She is appreciative of the many kind thoughts and good wishes being sent her way.
‘Where Is Wendy Williams?’
The news of Wendy’s diagnosis comes two days before the premiere of her highly-anticipated Lifetime documentary event, “Where Is Wendy Williams?”
For nearly two years, cameras followed former television host and radio star Wendy Williams as she navigated the next phase of her life after the conclusion of her iconic talk show.
This documentary offers a candid, unfiltered glimpse into Wendy’s reality following her placement under financial guardianship, shedding light on the vulnerabilities that have made her a subject of discussion.
Documenting her struggles with mental and physical health, the cameras captured Wendy’s delicate state of mind, erratic behavior, and declining well-being.
“Where is Wendy Williams?” chronicles Wendy’s journey to revive her career and unveils the discoveries made by filmmakers along the way.
Yet, many questions linger—whose interests truly align with Wendy’s well-being?
Has she regained her health? And where, indeed, is Wendy Williams now?
Watch the trailer below.
Wendy Williams & Blac Chyna
A first-look clip from the forthcoming documentary special of Blac Chyna (whose real name is Angela White) having a heart-to-heart conversation with Wendy Williams has gone viral.
Watch the heartbreaking clip below.
i actually wanna cry.. wendy williams is a legend pic.twitter.com/LfXY9ZWY4d
— Let Me Calm Down (@bagstopped) February 22, 2024
Social Media Reactions
Wendy Williams is currently trending as many have taken to their Twitter timelines to react to the news of her diagnosis.
Read a few tweets below.
Sending love, prayers, and positivity to Wendy Williams.
Do you plan to watch her documentary special this weekend?
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