Former talk-show host Wendy Williams has been diagnosed with the same form of dementia as actor Bruce Willis, according to a statement released by her caretakers on Thursday.
Health Struggles
Williams, 59, has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, conditions that have already presented significant hurdles in her life, with both behavioral and cognitive impacts. However, the statement emphasized that she is still able to do many things for herself and maintains her trademark sense of humor.
Care and Support
The statement credited her care team for providing the necessary care and protection for Williams while ensuring that her needs are being addressed. It also expressed gratitude for the kind thoughts and good wishes being sent her way.
Media Coverage
The announcement regarding Williams’s health was made through PR Newswire. When contacted for further information, a representative referred back to the statement. The news came shortly after a revealing People magazine cover story, detailing her struggles as shared by her family.
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Understanding Frontotemporal Degeneration
The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration defines FTD as a cluster of brain disorders that result from degeneration of the frontal and/or temporal lobes. This degeneration impacts behavior, language, and movement, with aphasia being a possible symptom. The association characterizes frontotemporal degeneration as a gradual decline in functionality, typically leading to an average life expectancy of seven to 13 years after symptoms manifest.
Public Disclosure and Acknowledgement
In February 2023, the association played a role in making public Willis’s diagnosis, with a statement released by the actor’s family. The care and expertise provided to Willis were acknowledged to be from Weill Cornell Medicine in New York, as noted in Thursday’s statement. Weill Cornell, however, declined to provide further comment on the matter.
Wendy Williams: A Unique Story
Wendy Williams gained fame in part due to her bold approach to life, which involved candid disclosures about her health, experiences with plastic surgery, and struggles with cocaine addiction. Her talk show, “The Wendy Williams Show,” was distinguished by her signature phrase, “How you doin’?” Transitioning from radio to television, Williams was known for her frank discussions on gossip and her uncompromising interviews with celebrities such as Whitney Houston.
Personal Health Struggles
In 2018, Williams revealed that she had been diagnosed years earlier with Graves’s disease, a condition characterized by an excess production of thyroid hormones. This condition can lead to a range of symptoms that impact overall health. Subsequently, Williams’s eponymous daytime talk show came to an end in 2022 due to her ongoing health challenges. Sherri Shepherd, who had previously guest-hosted for Williams, went on to secure her own show.
