Former talk show host Wendy Williams has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, the same conditions that actor Bruce Willis has. The announcement was made on behalf of her caretakers, stating that these diagnoses have presented significant challenges in Wendy’s life, impacting her behavior and cognition.
Despite these hurdles, the statement emphasized that Wendy is still able to do many things for herself and maintains her sense of humor. Her care team is ensuring that she receives the necessary care and support. The statement also expressed gratitude for the kind thoughts and good wishes being sent her way.
The announcement came following a cover story in People magazine, where Williams’ family shared insights into her struggles. The family mentioned that a court-appointed legal guardian currently has unfettered access to her, and they do not know her current location. However, they mentioned that she can still call them.
Frontotemporal dementia is described as a group of brain disorders that affect behavior, language, and movement, with an average life expectancy of seven to 13 years after the onset of symptoms. Unfortunately, there are no treatments to slow or stop the disease, but interventions can help manage symptoms.
The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, which was involved in disclosing Bruce Willis’ diagnosis earlier this year, commended Wendy Williams for raising awareness of the disease by making her diagnosis public. The association is working towards improving care and research into treatments for this condition.
Wendy Williams rose to fame through her no-boundaries approach to sharing personal details about her life, health, and career. Her talk show, which ended in 2022 due to health issues, was known for her signature phrase, “How you doin’?” She has been open about her struggles with Graves’ disease, a condition that affects thyroid hormone production and overall health.