Teaneck, New Jersey — Wendy Williams, former talk show host, has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia, according to a press release from her healthcare team. The conditions have presented significant hurdles in Williams’ life, impacting her behavior, cognitive functions, and language and communication abilities.
The press release stated that the decision to share Williams’ diagnoses with the public was made in an effort to correct inaccurate and hurtful rumors about her health. It also noted that despite the diagnoses, Williams is still able to do many things for herself and maintains her trademark sense of humor. She is receiving the care she requires to address her needs and is appreciative of the kind thoughts and good wishes being sent her way.
Frontotemporal dementia, which impacts behavior and cognitive functions, affects the frontal lobe of the brain, controlling personality, empathy, and the ability to connect with others, as well as the temporal lobe, which controls language and communication. Aphasia, on the other hand, involves the gradual loss of the ability to speak, read, write, and understand what others are saying.
Williams’ health news comes days before the premiere of the Lifetime documentary “Where Is Wendy Williams?” which follows her attempt to launch a comeback with a podcast, capturing her struggles with alcohol addiction and health issues. Her family revealed that she has been in a facility to treat “cognitive issues” since April 2023 and that, due to her legal guardianship, they have not been able to call or visit her.
According to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD), up to 60,000 people in the United States have been diagnosed with FTD. It can take on average up to four years to get a diagnosis of FTD, and most people accrue misdiagnoses along the way, leading to misunderstandings and stigmas associated with the disease.
While there are no disease-modifying treatments for FTD, there are currently eight drugs in clinical trials, making it an “incredibly hopeful time” due to the research being done. The key, according to the CEO of AFTD, is to get an early and accurate diagnosis.
As Williams navigates her health issues, her story sheds light on the challenges faced by those living with FTD and aphasia and the importance of early and accurate diagnosis in managing the symptoms and finding a compassionate and supportive community.