Wendy Williams has frontotemporal dementia and aphasia, reps say
Wendy Williams, the former daytime talk show host, has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia, a condition that makes it difficult or impossible for a person to express or understand language, according to a statement from her representatives.
Ms. Williams, 59, who hosted “The Wendy Williams Show” on Fox for more than a decade, was officially diagnosed last year after “undergoing a series of medical tests,” according to a statement released Thursday.
The tests show that Ms. Williams has primary progressive aphasia, a form of frontotemporal dementia, her representatives said, adding that she was receiving appropriate medical care.
“In recent years, questions have occasionally arisen about Wendy’s ability to process information,” the statement said“and many have speculated about Wendy’s condition, especially when she began to lose words, sometimes act erratically and have difficulty understanding financial transactions.”
The statement was released ahead of this Saturday’s premiere of “Where Is Wendy Williams?” a two-part documentary on the Lifetime network about Ms. Williams.
The project stopped filming in April when, according to the documentary, Ms. Williams entered a care center where she has remained ever since. People magazine reported on Wednesday. Ms. Williams’ son, Kevin Hunter Jr., says in the documentary that doctors linked her cognitive problems to alcohol use, People reported. Ms. Williams’ family told People that a court-appointed legal guardian was the only person who had “unfettered” access to her.
Ms. Williams’ sister, Wanda Finnie, told People that her family did not know which center Ms. Williams was at. They can’t call her themselves, she said, but Mrs. Williams can call them.
In May 2020, Ms. Williams quit her talk show due to fatigue caused by Graves’ autoimmune disease, the show said in a statement at the time. She hosted the premiere of the next season in September 2020but health issues prevented her from returning the following season, and the show used guest hosts before it was canceled in 2022.
Her representatives said they were providing an update on Ms Williams’ health “not only to advocate for understanding and compassion for Wendy, but to raise awareness of aphasia and frontotemporal dementia and support the thousands of others who are in similar circumstances. ”
Frontotemporal dementia is the most common form of dementia in people under the age of 60. Actor Bruce Willis’ family announced in February 2023 that he had frontotemporal dementia.
Primary progressive aphasia is a form of frontotemporal dementia that affects people’s ability to speak and communicate.
“It doesn’t really look like dementia as people typically think of that word,” says Dr. Sami Barmada, a neurologist at Michigan Medicine. With primary progressive aphasia, people may have difficulty finding the right words.
“They may be talking and then suddenly pause – you see them trying to get the words out,” said Dr. Barmada.
Patients can also substitute words if they can’t find them, by saying something like “thing” instead of “remote control.” In some cases, patients may also have difficulty following conversations, especially in groups, and understanding what people around them are saying. The condition progresses slowly over time and there are few treatment options.
The statement from Ms. Williams’ representatives said she was “still able to do many things on her own.”
“Most importantly, she maintains her trademark sense of humor and receives the care she needs to ensure she is protected and her needs are met,” the statement said. “She appreciates the many kind thoughts and well wishes sent her way.”