Former talk show host Wendy Williams has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, her team said in a released statement Thursday.
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Wendy Williams diagnosis
The New Jersey native was diagnosed last year after undergoing several medical tests. Her team said the conditions have “presented significant hurdles in Wendy’s life.”
“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. Receiving a diagnosis has enabled Wendy to receive the medical care she requires,” Williams’ team said in a news release.
Progressive aphasia
Primary progressive aphasia is a nervous system syndrome that affects a person’s ability to communicate, according to the Mayo Clinic. People who afflicted with the disease have trouble expressing their thoughts and can lose their ability to speak and write. Symptoms typically begin before the age of 65.
Dementia
Frontotemporal dementia, or FTD, refers to a group of diseases that primarily affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. It is usually associated with behavioral and personality changes and difficulty with language.
Grave’s Disease
Williams, 59, also has Grave’s disease. An autoimmune disease that results in the overproduction of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism), according to Mayo Clinic.
Health challenges
In 2017, Williams fainted during a live tapping of “The Wendy Williams” show, but recovered and finished the episode. A year later, she took a three-week break following her Graves’ disease diagnosis.
In 2022, as a result of ongoing health battles, it was announced that the show was ending.
Her team said the decision to share her latest health issues was “difficult and made after careful consideration.” They said she is still able to “do many things for herself” and is receiving treatment.
“Most importantly she maintains her trademark sense of humor and is receiving the care she requires to make sure she is protected and that her needs are addressed,” the release stated. “She is appreciative of the many kind thoughts and good wishes being sent her way.”
Wendy Williams will candidly speak about her physical and mental health in a new two-part documentary “Where is Wendy Williams” that will air on Feb. 24 and Feb. 25 on Lifetime.
