Update: Wendy Williams Breaks Silence On Dementia & Aphasia Diagnosis: ‘I Have Immense Gratitude For The Love & Kind Words I Have Received’

Wendy Williams

Update: Wendy Williams Breaks Silence On Dementia & Aphasia Diagnosis: ‘I Have Immense Gratitude For The Love & Kind Words I Have Received’

Update (Feb. 24): Wendy Williams is expressing gratitude.

The media mogul spoke out for the first time since being diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia. She said in a statement on Friday, February 24:

“I want to say I have immense gratitude for the love and kind words I have received after sharing my diagnosis of Aphasia and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). Let me say, wow! Your response has been overwhelming. The messages shared with me have touched me, reminding me of the power of unity and the need for compassion.”

She continued,

“I hope that others with FTD may benefit from my story. I want to also thank the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration for their kind words of support and their extraordinary efforts to raise awareness of FTD. I continue to need personal space and peace to thrive. Please just know that your positivity and encouragement are deeply appreciated.””

Original Story (Feb. 22): Prayers up for Wendy Williams!

As you may recall, over the years Wendy Williams has been upfront about her battle with Graves’ Disease and Lymphedema. Unfortunately, she’s also been dealing with other issues privately that have added to the health challenges she’s faced with. According to reports, the former TV talk show host was diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia.

A press release reportedly from her care team shared with PR Newswire states,

“Over the past few years, questions have been raised at times about Wendy’s ability to process information and many have speculated about Wendy’s condition, particularly when she began to lose words, act erratically at times, and have difficulty understanding financial transactions.

In 2023, after undergoing a battery of medical tests, Wendy was officially diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Aphasia, a condition affecting language and communication abilities, and frontotemporal dementia, a progressive disorder impacting behavior and cognitive functions, have already presented significant hurdles in Wendy’s life.”

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.”

And adds,

“??Wendy is still able to do many things for herself. Most importantly she maintains her trademark sense of humor and is receiving the care she requires to make sure she is protected and that her needs are addressed. She is appreciative of the many kind thoughts and good wishes being sent her way.”

As previously reported, loved ones of Wendy Williams recently spoke out against the legal guardianship she was placed under in 2022. In a recent interview her sister, Wanda Finnie, said,

“How is that system better than the system the family could put in place? I don’t know. I do know that this system is broken. I hope that at some point, Wendy becomes strong enough where she can speak on her own behalf.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with Wendy Williams and her loved ones during this difficult time.

[VIA]