Wendy Williams has a history of being open about her health challenges. The former talk show host, 59, was open about her Graves’ disease diagnosis, and took some time off to focus on her health. Then, in 2022, “The Wendy Williams Show" suddenly ended, leaving some to wonder what happened to Wendy. On February 22, 2024, her care team revealed that Wendy was diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia FTD in 2023.
"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," Wendy's care team shared in a news release.
Wendy's niece, Alex Finnie, opened up about Wendy's condition on The View. Alex revealed that her family has "limited contact" with Wendy. Wendy now lives in a care facility, according to Deadline.
Alex revealed that contacting Wendy "has been a big problem for the family."
However, Alex recently received a call from Wendy and was able to talk to her for hours. She said Wendy "sounds really good."
"She’s excited about her future, she talks about the possibility of getting back to work, but like I always remind her first and foremost is your health," Alex shared.
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In the news release, Wendy's care team said that receiving her new diagnosis has allowed her to get the necessary treatment.
The news release also noted that "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 decision to share the news of Wendy's diagnosis with the public was made "after careful consideration," according to the release.
The hope is that sharing the news will lead to more compassion for Wendy and a better understanding of the conditions she was diagnosed with.
"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," the news release read.
Primary progressive aphasia is a condition that affects communication, according to Mayo Clinic. People with this condition face challenges with understanding words, expressing themselves, writing, and finding words when speaking. However, Mayo Clinic also noted that the condition progresses slowly.
Symptoms of frontotemporal dementia vary from person to person. Some people with frontotemporal dementia might experience behavioral changes, such as a decline in judgment, hygiene, and interpersonal skills, notes Mayo Clinic. Some people with frontotemporal dementia experience speech and language symptoms or movement issues. Primary progressive aphasia is a subtype of frontotemporal dementia, according to Mayo Clinic.
Frontotemporal dementia is the same condition that actor Bruce Willis, 68, has been diagnosed with.
The conditions "have already presented significant hurdles in Wendy's life," according to the news release.
*Disclaimer: The advice on LittleThings is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
