Wendy Williams has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia

Wendy Williams was diagnosed with primary school Progressive aphasia And Frontotemporal dementia. Williams took a leave of absence from her talk show in 2021 while dealing with health issues, and in 2023, after undergoing “a battery of medical tests,” she was diagnosed with conditions that affect language, communication behavior and function, according to the Daily Mail. British. press release.

Williams, 59, has been open to the public about her diagnosis of Graves' disease and lymphedema. She initially took an indefinite leave of absence from her long-running talk show “Wendy,” which premiered in 2008. In 2022, it was announced that Sherri Shepherd would take over the show as host.

“I want to say that I am so grateful for the love and kind words I received after sharing my diagnosis of aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). And let me say, Wow! Your response has been overwhelming. The messages shared with me have been so touching,” Williams said in a statement. Released Friday evening: “It reminds me of the power of loneliness and the need for compassion.” “I still need personal space and peace to thrive. Please know that your positivity and encouragement are deeply appreciated.”

Williams Care Team Health update shared on Thursday “to correct inaccurate and harmful rumors regarding her health.” She was seen at times unable to form words and acted erratically, including during tapings of her talk show, which left many fans feeling anxious and confused.

What is aphasia?

Aphasia leaves patients struggling to understand language and communicate. The case received widespread attention from the actor Bruce Willis revealed his diagnosis in 2022. It was later revealed that he had also been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.

Aphasia is associated with damage to the left side of the brain and is usually a symptom of other medical problems such as a stroke, head injury or tumor, or develops due to a degenerative condition in the brain. According to the Mayo Clinic.

What is frontotemporal dementia?

Frontotemporal dementia, also known as FTD, describes a group of brain disorders that affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which are associated with personality, behavior, and language. Mayo Clinic explains.

Some people with frontotemporal dementia show dramatic changes in their personalities and can “become socially inappropriate, impulsive or emotionally apathetic, while others lose the ability to use language properly,” says the Mayo Clinic.

“Oftentimes, patients may have behavioral problems, and their personality can change,” Dr. Gayatri Devi, a professor of clinical neuroscience at Northwell Health who specializes in dementia, explained on “CBS Mornings.” “But unlike a disease like Alzheimer’s, there is no clear test to make a definitive diagnosis.”

It tends to affect people in their 50s and 60s, unlike Alzheimer's disease, which generally appears at older ages.

“There are some genetic factors for all types of dementia, but genes are not your destiny,” Davey noted. “…Genetics is one part of it, but there's a whole bunch of other things you can do Prevent dementia“.

Frontotemporal dementia accounts for about 10% to 20% of dementia cases, with approximately 50,000 to 60,000 people diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia annually.

Dr. David Agus told CBS News after Willis' diagnosis that there may be an underdiagnosis. He said it is a progressive disease that will progress and can require a lot of care.

Wendy Williams Documentary and Conservatorship

Williams' team said the decision to go public with her diagnoses was a difficult one, but they decided to do so “not only to call for understanding and compassion for Wendy, but also to raise awareness about aphasia and frontotemporal dementia and support the thousands of others facing aphasia.” Similar circumstances.”

They said Williams is still able to do many things on her own and “maintains her sense of humor.” They said she was receiving the care she needed.

Williams was granted court-appointed conservatorship after Wells Fargo claimed in 2022 that she was “of unsound mind.” according to Entertainment tonight. The bank claimed she was under “undue influence and financial exploitation”, but Williams denied the allegations.

Her son, Kevin Hunter Jr., also has It raised concerns about guardianship. Her manager, Will Selby, refuted ET's claims, saying she was not being exploited.

In the trailer for two parts A documentary about Williams' life It aired on Lifetime on February 24 and 25, and Williams was seen talking about her finances. “I have no money,” she says sadly. Her family also appears to be raising concerns about her guardianship.

“I love being famous. But family is everything. Everything,” Williams says in the trailer.

—Sarah Moniusco contributed to this report.