Wendy Williams Diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia and Aphasia, Health Team Announces
Wendy Williams has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia as well as the language disorder aphasia, her healthcare team announced in a press release Thursday morning.
Recent Diagnoses Pose Significant Challenges
After undergoing a battery of medical tests, Williams’ team confirmed that she was diagnosed with both conditions in 2023, and they have already presented significant hurdles in her life.
Frontotemporal Dementia and Aphasia
Frontotemporal dementia, the same condition that actor Bruce Willis was diagnosed with last year, is a progressive disorder that impacts behavior and cognitive functions. Aphasia, on the other hand, affects language and communication abilities and involves the gradual loss of the ability to speak, read, write, and understand what others are saying.
According to the press release, Williams’ team has chosen to share her diagnoses with the public to correct inaccurate and hurtful rumors about her health.
Positive Outlook and Strong Support
Despite the diagnoses, Williams is still able to do many things for herself and maintains her trademark sense of humor. She is receiving the necessary care to ensure her well-being, and her needs are being addressed. Williams is incredibly appreciative of the kind thoughts and good wishes being sent her way.
Connection to Documentary “Where Is Wendy Williams?”
Williams’ latest health news comes just days before the premiere of the Lifetime documentary Where Is Wendy Williams?. The documentary captures her struggles with alcohol addiction, Graves’ disease, lymphedema, and now her battle with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia.
Concerns Regarding Guardianship and Family Access
Williams’ family, speaking exclusively to People, revealed that she has been in a facility to treat her cognitive issues since April 2023. Due to her legal guardianship, her family members have unfortunately been unable to call or visit her.
Williams’ sister Wanda remarked, “The people who love her cannot see her. I think the big [question] is: How the hell did we get here?”
Frontotemporal Degeneration and Common Misunderstandings
Frontotemporal dementia affects both the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which control personality, empathy, language, and communication. The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD) reports that up to 60,000 people in the United States have been diagnosed with FTD.
Susan Dickinson, CEO of AFTD, highlighted the challenges often faced by those with FTD, emphasizing that misdiagnoses and the associated stigmas can severely impact relationships and support. The road to an accurate diagnosis can take years, causing significant damage to the affected individuals and those around them.
The Importance of Early and Accurate Diagnosis
Dickinson urged for an early and accurate diagnosis for individuals experiencing symptoms related to FTD. She stressed that receiving a label and a reason can provide validation, access to a compassionate community, accurate information, and opportunities to manage symptoms and contribute to ongoing research.
While there are currently no disease-modifying treatments available, there is optimism due to ongoing research, with eight drugs currently in clinical trials.
