Radio and talk show host Wendy Williams has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), according to her medical team.
According to a press release, the media personality received the diagnosis last year.
“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.”
forwp-incontent-ad1">According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Frontotemporal dementia affects “language skills, speaking, writing and comprehension.” Symptoms may include loss of motor skills and muscle spasms which tend to get worse over time. In most cases, symptoms appear between 40 and 65 years old. FTD is the most common form of dementia for people under 60.
Williams is receiving treatment from a team of specialists at Weill Cornell Medicine, and as of now, is self-sufficient. According to the press release, she “maintains her trademark sense of humor” and is appreciative of her fan’s support.
This diagnosis was shared ahead of the premiere of Lifetime’s Where Is Wendy Williams? – a two-night docuseries that follows the star’s life after the cancellation of The Wendy Williams Show in 2022. The former talk show host is credited as an executive producer on the project. According to a cover story in People, filming wrapped up when Williams was admitted to a facility to treat “cognitive issues” in April of 2023. The 59-year-old still lives in the facility and is under the care of a court-appointed guardian. Family members have spoken out about having limited access to their famous relative.
“The people who love her cannot see her,” Wendy’s older sister, Wanda, told People.
Where Is Wendy Williams? will air Feb 24 & 25th at 8 p.m. ET on Lifetime.
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