For years, Wendy Williams has captivated television screens with her unapologetic wit and charm. Yet, behind the dazzling lights of fame, a quiet storm has been brewing. Wendy Williams and her devoted team are now stepping into spotlight to reveal that the television host been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia.
The 59-year-old luminary, known for her unyielding transparency, faced the diagnosis with characteristic resilience. Her courageous battle with Graves’ disease and lymphedema, while public knowledge, merely hinted at the underlying struggles she has been silently navigating.
“In 2023, after undergoing a battery of medical tests, Wendy was officially diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Aphasia, a condition affecting language and communication abilities, and frontotemporal dementia, a progressive disorder impacting behavior and cognitive functions, have already presented significant hurdles in Wendy’s life, ” her team said in a statement.
“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.”
But what of the conditions that have cast a shadow over Wendy’s life? Frontotemporal dementia, a silent thief of cognition and personality, has crept into her world, leaving behind a trail of uncertainty.
Meanwhile, primary progressive aphasia, robbing her of the very essence of communication, poses an unparalleled test of resilience.
“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,” her press representative shared.
“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,” said Jennifer Hanley on behalf of Williams.
