Wendy Williams Diagnosed With Primary Progressive Aphasia And Dementia
Wendy Williams has been diagnosed with a rare nervous system syndrome, as revealed in an update shared by her team. Last year, the acclaimed broadcaster was confirmed to have primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia.
According to a press release, the medical tests and official analysis come after questions have been raised over the past few years about Williams’ ability to process information and speculation about her condition, particularly when she began to lose words, act erratically at times, and have difficulty understanding financial transactions. The 59-year-old has been open about her battle with Graves’ Disease and Lymphedema, as well as other health-related issues.
“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,” detailed the memo.
“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,” the statement continued.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines dementia as not a specific disease, but a general term for the impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions that interferes with doing everyday activities, with Alzheimers being the most common type.
Symptoms of primary progressive aphasia typically begin before the age of 65, according to the Mayo Clinic. The disease slowly takes away a person’s ability to speak and write, and eventually, they’re not able to understand written or spoken language.
Lifetime documentary Where Is Wendy Williams?, detailing the New Jersey native’s life and career, is due later this month on the network.
“I’m gonna tell you something, if it happens to me, it could happen to you,” shares the talk-show host in a preview.
Lifetime is also set to air an encore of Wendy’s biopic, Wendy Williams: The Movie, and her 2021 documentary, Wendy Williams: What a Mess, leading up to the new project’s debut. Take a look at the trailer for Where Is Wendy Williams? above.
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