Former US talk show host Wendy Williams has thanked her loyal following for their “love and kind words” after it was confirmed she had been diagnosed with a rare form of dementia and aphasia.
The 59-year-old's team confirmed earlier this week that she has primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia.
Aphasia is a progressive condition which affects the language and communication abilities within the brain, whilst dementia impacts behavior and cognitive functions.
After the news was confirmed, Williams issued a statement via her management team to update her fans on her ever changing condition.
She said: “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.
“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. I hope that others with FTD may benefit from my story.”
Wendy Williams hosted her own talk show from 2008 to 2022
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The US star went on to thank the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration for their “kind words of support” and for their efforts in raising awareness of the condition.
“I continue to need personal space and peace to thrive. Please just know that your positivity and encouragement are deeply appreciated.”
Her team announced the news on Thursday in a statement following a “battery of medical tests” in 2023.
In statement shared to the PR Newswire: “Wendy is still able to do many things for herself. Most importantly she maintains her trademark sense of humour and is receiving the care she requires to make sure she is protected and that her needs are addressed.
Wendy issued a statement to her fans
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“She is appreciative of the many kind thoughts and good wishes being sent her way!”
They added that the decision to share her diagnosis was made to “advocate for understanding and compassion for Wendy”, as well as raise awareness about aphasia and frontotemporal dementia.
Back in 2018 she fainted during an episode of her talk show, and later confirmed she had been diagnosed with Graves’ disease, and then lymphedema.
Williams’ co-executive producer Suzanne Bass opened up about the recent news and admitted that she was “saddened by it all”.
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Wendy Williams opened up about her diagnosis
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She explained: “I’m more sad about her health, not that she can’t make a comeback. To have this sort of diagnosis there’s some finality to it. You can go back and see the show, and there's really long periods of quietness where she's not speaking. And you're thinking 'What's happening?’
“There were early signs [of something wrong] where you're grasping for words, having a hard time collecting your thoughts and remembering things. Maybe that's what was happening back then.”
