Former talk show host Wendy Williams revealed on Thursday that she had been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemportal dementia.
In a statement from Williams’ team (via Deadline), they praised the medical and care team at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City and noted that Williams can now begin receiving “the medical care she requires.”
“Wendy would not have received confirmation of these diagnoses were it not for the diligence of her current care team, who she chose, and the extraordinary work of the specialists at Weill Cornell Medicine,” the statement reads. “Receiving a diagnosis has enabled Wendy to receive the medical care she requires.
Williams is undergoing medical care and is appreciative of kind thoughts
“The decision to share this news was difficult and made after careful consideration, not only to advocate for understanding and compassion for Wendy, but to raise awareness about aphasia and frontotemporal dementia and support the thousands of others facing similar circumstances,” the statement continued. “Unfortunately, many individuals diagnosed with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia face stigma and misunderstanding, particularly when they begin to exhibit behavioral changes but have not yet received a diagnosis.”
In the statement, Williams’ team also mentions that Wendy is “still able to do many things for herself” and retains her sense of humor as she undergoes care. The statement ends by noting that “she is appreciative of the many kind thoughts and good wishes being sent her way.”
Apashia is a language disorder that affects someone’s ability to communicate. Frontotemporal dementia is a progressive disorder that also impacts behavioral and cognitive functions. Both diagnoses are also what forced actor Bruce Willis to retire from his long running career in Hollywood two years ago.
Prior to her work in television, Williams rose to fame in New York as a radio DJ, which then gave way to a television career beginning in 2006, with a VH1 reality television series called The Wendy Williams Experience. Williams rose to superstardom, however, for her time as the host of the nationally syndicated television talk show The Wendy Williams show, which ran from 2008 to 2021.
