Wendy Williams has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia.
"Wendy would not have received confirmation of these diagnoses were it not for the diligence of her current care team, who she chose, and the extraordinary work of the specialists at Weill Cornell Medicine. Receiving a diagnosis has enabled Wendy to receive the medical care she requires," a statement from Williams' team reads.
The statement continues:
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. Unfortunately, many individuals diagnosed with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia face stigma and misunderstanding, particularly when they begin to exhibit behavioural changes but have not yet received a diagnosis.
The TV personality hosted her eponymous talk show from 2008 until 2021, when she stepped down due to issues surrounding her Graves' disease and lymphedema. The Wendy Williams Show was cancelled the following year.
While frontotemporal dementia affects behaviour and cognitive functions, aphasia impacts communication skills. Bruce Willis was also diagnosed with aphasia last year.
