Wendy Williams diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia
Wendy Williams' team confirmed in a press release that the former daytime talk show host has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Aphasia is a condition affecting language and communication abilities, while FTD is a disorder impacting behavior and cognitive functions. Last year, Bruce Willis also disclosed his diagnosis with the same kind of dementia.
Williams gained prominence as the host of “The Wendy Williams Show” from 2008 to 2021. She stepped down from hosting due to medical issues, openly discussing her struggles with Graves’ Disease and lymphedema. Her talk show was subsequently canceled, with its final episode airing in June 2022 after several guest hosts filled in for her.
“In recent years, concerns have arisen about Wendy’s ability to process information, with speculation about her condition, especially as she began experiencing difficulties with language, erratic behavior, and understanding financial transactions,” the press release stated.
“The decision to disclose this news was challenging and made after careful consideration, not only to promote understanding and compassion for Wendy but also to raise awareness about aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, and to support the thousands of others confronting similar circumstances,” the release added. “Unfortunately, individuals diagnosed with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia often encounter stigma and misunderstanding, particularly when they exhibit behavioral changes before receiving a diagnosis.”
The announcement of Williams’ dementia diagnosis came ahead of the premiere of a two-part documentary about the daytime host airing on Lifetime. Titled “Where Is Wendy Williams?,” the documentary, produced by Williams, offers an honest portrayal of her life with Graves’ Disease and beyond. Her sister, Wanda Finnie, recently told People magazine that Williams is now in a much better place than depicted in the documentary.
“I spoke with her yesterday, and we regularly communicate when she reaches out to me,” Wanda said. “She is, from what I understand, in a wellness-focused, healing environment...We cannot initiate contact with her, but she can reach out to us. Emotionally, she is in a healing place. She’s not the person portrayed in this film.”
