Wendy Williams' New Diagnosis Explains Recent Cognitive Decline

Wendy Williams

Wendy Williams has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia, new reports reveal.

The news was shared in a statement from Williams' team on Thursday, Feb. 22, announcing that the former talk show host underwent a series of tests in 2023 after she started to "lose words" and "act erratically," according to Page Six.

"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," the statement read, noting that Williams' doctors eventually contributed her recent health complications to the neurodegenerative diseases.

Aphasia is a condition that impairs the expression and understanding of language and speech, making it difficult for a person to communicate effectively with others, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. It may result from injury to the brain or neurodegenerative diseases including frontotemporal dementia.

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a disorder that results from damaged neurons in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. It can affect behavior, personality, language and movement, according to John Hopkins Medicine.

"Receiving a diagnosis has enabled Wendy to receive the medical care she requires," her team said on Thursday, adding that the decision to share this news was "difficult and made under careful consideration."

Representatives for the former Wendy Williams Show host said that Williams' diagnosis was being shared publicly "not only to advocate for understanding and compassion for Wendy," but also to "raise awareness about aphasia and frontotemporal dementia and support the thousands of others facing similar circumstances."

Williams, 59, has been diagnosed with the same condition that Bruce Willis is currently battling. The 68-year-old actor's diagnosis with aphasia was first shared in spring 2022, and just one year later, his family explained that it had progressed into frontotemporal dementia.

The Die Hard star has since retired from acting and transitioned away from public life.

Next: Wendy Williams to Go Into Depth on Health Struggles in Rare, Emotional New Documentary