Former daytime talk show host Wendy Williams has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia. Her representative announced that aphasia is a disorder that makes it difficult or impossible to express or understand language.
Williams, 59, who hosted “The Wendy Williams Show” on Fox for more than a decade, was officially diagnosed last year after “subjecting to a series of medical tests,” according to a statement released Thursday. That’s what it means.
Williams’ representatives added that tests have determined that Williams suffers from primary progressive aphasia, a type of frontotemporal dementia, and that she is receiving the necessary medical care.
“Over the past few years, questions have been raised from time to time about Wendy’s ability to process information,” the statement said, “particularly when Wendy became speechless, began to act erratically at times, and began to experience difficulties. “A lot of people are speculating about his condition.” Understanding financial transactions. ”
The statement was released ahead of this Saturday’s premiere of “Where’s Wendy Williams?” A two-part documentary about Ms. Williams on Lifetime Network.
People magazine reported on Wednesday that the project stopped filming in April and, according to the documentary, Williams entered a care center where she has been ever since. Williams’ son Kevin Hunter Jr. said in the documentary that doctors linked Williams’ cognitive problems to his alcohol use, People reported. Williams’ girlfriend’s family told People that her court-appointed legal guardian is the only person who has “unfettered” access to her.
Williams’ sister, Wanda Finney, told People that the family did not know which center Williams was in. Her family can’t call her, but Williams can, she said.
In May 2020, Williams took a hiatus from her talk show due to fatigue caused by the autoimmune disease Graves’ disease, the show said in a statement at the time. She hosted the next season’s premiere in September 2020, but health reasons prevented her from returning for the next season, and the show will continue to feature guest hosts until it is canceled in 2022. Was.
“As well as appealing for understanding and compassion for Wendy, we want to raise awareness about aphasia and frontotemporal dementia and help thousands of people facing similar situations,” the representatives said in a statement. “To provide an update on Williams’ health.”
Frontotemporal dementia is the most common type of dementia in people under 60. Actor Bruce Willis’ family announced in February 2023 that he has frontotemporal dementia.
Primary progressive aphasia is a type of frontotemporal dementia that affects a person’s ability to speak and communicate.
“It doesn’t really seem like dementia in the way that people typically think of the word,” said Dr. Sami Balmada, a neurologist at the University of Michigan. With primary progressive aphasia, people may have trouble finding the right words.
“They might be talking and then all of a sudden they stop. You can tell they’re trying to get the words out,” Dr. Balmada says.
When patients cannot find the right words, they may substitute words such as “object” instead of “remote control.” In some cases, it can be difficult to follow conversations, especially in groups, and understand what people around you are saying. This condition develops slowly over time and there are few treatment options.
Williams’ representatives said in a statement that Williams “still has much to do on his own.”
“Most importantly, she maintains her trademark sense of humor and is receiving the care she needs to ensure she is protected and her needs are met,” the statement said. “She is grateful for the many kind thoughts and well wishes that have been received.”
