Media personality Wendy Williams has been diagnosed with the same type of dementia affecting former actor Bruce Willis.
“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,” the press release 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.”
The public statement was released on Thursday to “correct inaccurate and hurtful rumors about her health.”
After a series of medical tests in 2023, Ms. Williams—who was host of “The Wendy Williams Show” from 2008 to 2021—was diagnosed with “primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD),” the press release stated.
“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 team said. “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. Receiving a diagnosis has enabled Wendy to receive the medical care she requires.”
The decision to share the news was not only to “advocate for understanding and compassion for Wendy,” but also to raise awareness about the disease.
“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,” the team said. “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.”
The press release said that Ms. Williams is still able to support herself and has maintained “her trademark sense of humor.”
Bruce Willis’ Diagnosis
In 2022, Mr. Willis stepped back from acting after revealing his diagnosis of aphasia, a condition that affects communications and the ability to process and formulate language.In 2023, Mr. Willis was later diagnosed with FTD, according to a statement from his family.
Past Issues and Stance on COVID-19 Vaccine
Ms. Williams has been open about her past struggles with alcohol and drug addiction, as well as being outspoken about her initial refusal to take the COVID-19 vaccine.In 2021, she told Dr. Oz that she didn’t trust the COVID-19 vaccine.
“I’m not getting the vaccine,” she said then he pressed her on the issue. “Listen, 10 million people and more have the flu vaccine, and how many people per year catch the flu, you know? No, I’m not getting the vaccine, Dr. Oz.”
According to the report, Ms. Williams’ team announced that the show would return in compliance with COVID-19 guidelines set by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, which mandated the shots for its members.
