Wendy Williams diagnosed with dementia and aphasia: ‘She maintains her trademark sense of humor’

Former talk show host Wendy Williams was diagnosed last year with primary aggressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, her “care team” revealed on Thursday.

Aphasia affects language and communication abilities, while frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a progressive disorder, impacts behavior and cognitive functions.

Hollywood superstar Bruce Willis is battling the same two medical issues. He retired from acting in 2022 due to his aphasia and was diagnosed with FTD in 2023.

The news about Williams, 59, follows on the heels of a People report that her family does not know in which facility she is being treated, and that they speak to her only when she calls them.

Williams is the subject of an upcoming Lifetime docuseries, “Where Is Wendy Williams?,” airing over two nights, Feb. 24 and 25.

“On behalf of Wendy Williams Hunter, her care team is sharing this very personal update with her cherished fans, friends and supporters to correct inaccurate and hurtful rumors about her health,” read a statement released Thursday morning.

“As Wendy’s fans are aware, in the past she has been open with the public about her medical
struggles with Graves’ Disease and Lymphedema as well as other significant challenges related
to her health,” it continued. “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) … [they] have already presented significant hurdles in Wendy’s life.”

Williams shot to radio stardom and hosted “The Wendy Williams Show,” a popular daytime talk show, from 2008 until she left in 2022 on the heels of her erratic behavior and medical diagnoses of Lymphedema and Graves’ Disease. She did not host her show in its final season due to her condition.

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She was succeeded by former “The View” co-host Sherri Shepherd, who hosts “Sherri,” which airs on WNYW/Ch. 5 at 10 a.m. in New York City.

“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,” the statement continued. “Receiving a diagnosis has enabled Wendy to receive the medical care she requires.

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“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,” Williams’ care team continued. “Unfortunately, many individuals diagnosed with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia face stigma and misunderstanding, particularly when they begin to exhibit
behavioral changes but have not yet received a diagnosis.

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“There is hope that with early detection and far more empathy, the stigma associated with
dementia will be eliminated, and those affected will receive the understanding, support and
care they deserve and need.”

Williams’ care team noted that she is “still able to do many things for herself” and that “she maintains her trademark sense of humor” while “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,” they said.