Beloved talk show host Wendy Williams has recently shared a challenging and personal journey with her fans, revealing that she has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia. This announcement follows in the footsteps of actor Bruce Willis, who disclosed a similar diagnosis just a year ago.
The 59-year-old underwent extensive testing in 2023, leading to the discovery of these neurological conditions. Primary progressive aphasia, affecting language and communication abilities, and frontotemporal dementia, a progressive disorder impacting behavior and cognitive functions, have presented significant hurdles in Wendy’s life, as confirmed in a press release.
It was Wendy’s steadfast care team, coupled with the expertise of specialists at Weill Cornell Medicine, that diligently worked towards identifying and confirming these diagnoses. The press release emphasizes that Wendy’s diagnosis has enabled her to receive the necessary medical care, underlining the importance of early detection in managing such conditions.
Despite the difficulty in sharing this personal news, Wendy and her team made the decision to do so after careful consideration. The aim is not only to foster understanding and compassion for Wendy but also to raise awareness about aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, shedding light on the challenges faced by thousands of others in similar circumstances.
The press release highlighted the unfortunate stigma and misunderstanding often associated with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, particularly when behavioral changes manifest before an official diagnosis is received. By sharing her story, Wendy Williams hopes to contribute to breaking down these barriers, encouraging empathy and support for those navigating similar health challenges.
Even in the face of these diagnoses, Wendy continues to exhibit resilience. According to the press release, she is still able to manage many aspects of her life independently and maintains her signature sense of humor. This strength and positivity serve as an inspiration to her fans and those facing similar health struggles.
As the news spreads, fans and well-wishers from around the world are sending their best thoughts to Wendy, acknowledging her courage in sharing her health journey publicly.
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Below is the entire press release:
On behalf of Wendy Williams Hunter, her care team is sharing this very personal update with her cherished fans, friends, and supporters to correct inaccurate and hurtful rumors about her health.
As Wendy’s fans are aware, in the past she has been open with the public about her medical struggles with Graves’ Disease and Lymphedema as well as other significant challenges related to her health.
Over the past few years, questions have been raised at times about Wendy’s ability to process information and many have speculated about Wendy’s condition, particularly when she began to lose words, act erratically at times, and have difficulty understanding financial transactions.
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.
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.
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. 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.
There is hope that with early detection and far more empathy, the stigma associated with dementia will be eliminated, and those affected will receive the understanding, support, and care they deserve and need.
Wendy is still able to do many things for herself. 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. She is appreciative of the many kind thoughts and good wishes being sent her way.
