The former host of “The Wendy Williams Show,” Wendy Williams, has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia, as confirmed by her representatives.
The announcement comes just two days before the premiere of a two-part documentary titled “Where Is Wendy Williams?” focusing on her health issues.
The statement from her representatives revealed that the 59-year-old TV personality was officially diagnosed last year after undergoing extensive medical tests.
The tests indicated that Wendy Williams has primary progressive aphasia, a type of frontotemporal dementia.
The statement addressed previous concerns about Wendy’s ability to process information, citing instances where she began to lose words, acted erratically, and faced challenges in understanding financial transactions.
The Lifetime network documentary, set to premiere this Saturday, reportedly stopped filming in April when Wendy Williams entered a care center.
The documentary suggests a connection between her cognitive issues and alcohol use, according to her son, Kevin Hunter Jr. The family mentioned a court-appointed legal guardian having “unfettered” access to Wendy Williams, but her sister, Wanda Finnie, revealed they were unaware of the specific care center.
Wendy Williams went on hiatus from her talk show in May 2020 due to fatigue caused by Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder.
Despite returning for the next season’s premiere in September 2020, ongoing health struggles eventually led to the cancellation of the show in 2022.
The representatives emphasized the update on Wendy Williams’s health aims to advocate for understanding and compassion while raising awareness about aphasia and frontotemporal dementia.
Frontotemporal dementia is the most common form of dementia for those under 60. Dr. Sami Barmada, a neurologist, explained that primary progressive aphasia affects a person’s ability to speak and communicate, often causing difficulties in finding the right words.
Despite the challenges, Wendy Williams is reported to be “still able to do many things for herself.”
The statement highlighted her maintaining a trademark sense of humor and receiving the necessary care to address her needs.
It concluded with Wendy expressing appreciation for the kind thoughts and good wishes sent her way.
