Former US talk show host Wendy Williams has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), her care team announced. The news was shared to correct what the team described as 'inaccurate and hurtful rumours' about her health.
Ms Williams, 59, hosted the nationally syndicated Wendy Williams Show for over a decade until its end in 2022 amid health struggles. The diagnosis was confirmed by a battery of medical tests last year. Her team noted she has been open about past conditions including Graves’ disease and lymphedema.
Aphasia affects communication abilities, while FTD is an incurable brain disorder that impacts language and can worsen over time. The rare disease typically strikes between ages 45 and 64. Ms Williams’ progression mirrors that of actor Bruce Willis, diagnosed with aphasia in 2022 and FTD last year.
Her care team stated that although FTD has presented significant hurdles, Ms Williams maintains her trademark sense of humour and is receiving necessary care. The announcement comes ahead of a Lifetime documentary, Where is Wendy Williams?, set for release this weekend.
