Former TV host, Wendy Williams, has progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, according to her care team. Her updated diagnosis was shared on Feb. 22, 2024, “to correct inaccurate and hurtful rumors about her health.”
Previously, Williams was thought to have Graves’ Disease and lymphedema diagnoses. Something she openly discussed with her viewers. However, after she began acting erratically and seen unable to form words, Wendy decided to step down from her talk show, indefinitely, in 2021. Additionally, the show continued with guest host’s taking Williams’ place. Furthermore, in February 2022, it was announced that Sherri Shepard would take over as host.
Her Talk Show
“Wendy,” Williams’ talk show, premiered on July 14, 2008, in select states. By July 13, 2009, her show had gained loyal viewership and expanded nationwide.
The show was filmed in front of a live studio audience at Chelsea Studios in New York. Additionally, the live shows was taped Monday through Thursday with Fridays dedicated to reruns.
Frontotemporal Dementia
Frontotemporal disorders (FTD) is sometimes referred to as frontotemporal dementia. Additionally, it is caused by progressive nerve cell loss in the brain’s frontal and/or temporal lobes. The frontal lobes is located behind the forehead and the temporal is found behind the ears.
Furthermore, the progressive damage to the neurons can cause deterioration in personality, behavior, and/or problems with producing or comprehending language.
Symptoms of Aphasia
Aphasia is a language disorder that affects an individuals ability to communicate. Additionally, aphasia can happen after a person has a stroke or head injury. Furthermore, aphasia can also develop slowly from a growing brain tumor or disease.
However, both women and men are affected by aphasia equally. With most who are affected by it being middle to old age. Additionally, there are many different types of aphasia.
Symptoms of aphasia depends on the type a person has, all of which stem around communication. For example, those with Broca aphasia may eliminate the words “the” or “and” from their language. They will also speak in short but meaningful sentences.
Wernicke aphasia causes people to speak in long, confusing sentences. They will add unnecessary words or even create new ones. Furthermore, individuals who suffer from this aphasia will also have issues understanding other people.
Williams’ New Diagnosis
On February 22, a press release was sent out claiming to be on the behalf of Williams an her team. In it was the updated diagnosis of her having primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia. Furthermore, the press release stated the official diagnosis came after undergoing a battery of medical tests in 2023. Since then her and her care team held in depth conversations about whether they should share the diagnosis.
The former TV host’s new documentary, “Where is Wendy Williams?” aired over the weekend on Lifetime. Fans were given an inside look into what Wendy’s life looks like since leaving her show.
Furthermore, the statement noted how Wendy started having issues with processing information. The release stated Williams’ started, “to lose words, act erratically at times, and have difficulty understanding financial transactions.”
Family Views
Her son, Kevin Hunter Jr., shared a bit more insight into Williams’ diagnosis during an interview from the Lifetime documentary. The 23-year-old explained how the doctor had “basically” stated her ailments were caused “because she was drinking so much.” Hunter went on to say that the alcohol started ” to affect her headspace and her brain.”
Furthermore, he explained it was his understanding the new diagnosis “was alcohol-induced dementia.” Which is a cognitive impairment that happens due to heavy alcohol consumption.
Her niece, Alex Finnie, told hosts on “The View” that the family has had “limited contact” with Williams since last year. Subsequently, that was the time she had been placed in a financial and secretive guardianship. Furthermore, Finnie admitted that she recently receive “some sort of response” about her aunt. However, the limited contact has created a huge issue for her family as they try to “get an update on how she’s doing?”
A Word from Williams’
After her team shared the update on her condition, Williams’ fans shared kind words and their feelings on social media. These kind words reached Williams causing her to “immense gratitude for the love and kind words I have received after sharing my diagnosis of Aphasia and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD).”
Furthermore, she went on to say that the “response has been overwhelming.” Williams stated she was touched by all of the messages shared with her. Also, it reminded her “of the power of unity and the need for compassion.”
Lawsuit Against A+E
A few days before the Lifetime documentary of Williams was released her guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, filed a lawsuit against A+E Networks. Morrissey, has been “acting in her capacity as Temporary Guardian” since the court appointed her in 2022. However, her identity has been unknown both publicly and to Williams’ family.
Furthermore, the lawsuit was filed the same day Williams’ new diagnosis was announced.
By Sheena Robertson
Sources:
The Hollywood Reporter: Wendy Williams’ Guardian Sues Lifetime Parent Company A+E Networks Ahead of Documentary
Deadline: Wendy Williams’ Niece Tells ‘The View’ That Family Has “Limited Contact” With Former Talk Show Host: “It Has Been A Big Problem”
In Touch: Wendy Williams’ Son Kevin Says She Has Alcohol-Induced Dementia ‘Because She Was Drinking so Much’
Vibe: Wendy Williams’ Documentary Sends Social Media Into Chaotic Tailspin
John Hopkins Medicine: Aphasia
Los Angeles Times: Wendy Williams documentary can proceed on Lifetime amid guardian’s lawsuit, judge rules
CBS News: Wendy Williams diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia
The Hollywood Reporter: Wendy Williams Shares Aphasia and Dementia Diagnosis Ahead of Doc Release
Alzheimer’s Association: Frontotemporal Dementia
Inset Image Courtesy of celebrityabc‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Featured Image Courtesy of Tim Moore‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
