New York City, USA – Television host Wendy Williams has recently been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, conditions affecting language, communication behavior, and function. Williams, who had taken a leave from her talk show in 2021 due to health issues, received the diagnosis after undergoing a series of medical tests in 2023.
Throughout her career, Williams has been candid about her health struggles, including Graves’ Disease and lymphedema diagnoses. Following her departure from her long-running talk show, “Wendy,” in 2021, Sherri Shepherd was announced as the new host in 2022.
In a health update shared by Wendy’s care team, it was revealed that the decision to publicly disclose her diagnoses was made to correct inaccurate rumors and raise awareness about aphasia and frontotemporal dementia. The announcement came after concerns arose from fans witnessing Williams struggle with speech and erratic behavior during tapings of her show.
Aphasia, a condition that impairs language and communication abilities, was brought into the spotlight when actor Bruce Willis disclosed his own diagnosis in 2022. Frontotemporal dementia, a group of brain disorders affecting personality, behavior, and language, was also identified in Willis.
Frontotemporal dementia can result in drastic personality changes, social inappropriateness, impulsivity, emotional indifference, and language difficulties. Unlike Alzheimer’s, there is no definitive test for its diagnosis, making it challenging to detect early.
Despite the challenges posed by her diagnoses, Williams’ care team emphasized her ability to maintain her sense of humor and continue with daily activities. However, she recently faced legal issues surrounding a court-appointed guardianship after being accused of being of “unsound mind” by Wells Fargo.
As Williams navigates these health and legal challenges, a documentary on her life is set to air, shedding light on her financial struggles and family concerns surrounding her guardianship. With ongoing support and awareness efforts from her team, Williams aims to advocate for understanding, compassion, and awareness surrounding these complex conditions.