Former US talk show host Wendy Williams has conveyed her appreciation to fans for their unwavering support following her recent diagnosis of dementia and aphasia.
In a statement provided to the Associated Press, Williams, 59, expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming response from fans, emphasizing the power of unity and the importance of compassion during challenging times.
Renowned for hosting the nationally syndicated Wendy Williams Show for over a decade, Williams bid farewell to the show in 2022 amidst her ongoing health battles.
Her care team released the diagnosis last Thursday to address misinformation and hurtful rumors circulating about her health, stating that Williams has previously been candid about her struggles with Graves’ Disease and Lymphedema, along with other significant health challenges.
The statement clarified that questions about Williams’ cognitive function had arisen over the years, particularly as she experienced difficulties with language and comprehension.
The diagnosis, confirmed through a series of medical tests last year, revealed the presence of aphasia, a neurological condition affecting communication skills, and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a progressive brain disorder impairing language and social behavior.
According to the National Institutes of Health, while FTD symptoms worsen over time, management strategies exist, although there is currently no treatment to halt or reverse the disease’s progression.
Aphasia and FTD typically affect individuals at a younger age compared to other forms of dementia, with most diagnoses occurring between the ages of 45 and 64.
Wendy Williams’ acknowledgment of her diagnosis sheds light on the challenges she faces, echoing the experiences of Hollywood star Bruce Willis, who also grapples with aphasia and FTD, leading to his retirement from acting.
