Wendy Williams’ Diagnosis Revealed: Aphasia and Dementia

In a press release issued on February 22, 2024, Wendy Williams and her team have officially confirmed the speculations surrounding her health, disclosing that the former talk show host has been diagnosed with aphasia and dementia.

Aphasia, a condition also diagnosed in actor Bruce Willis, is described by Johns Hopkins Medicine as a language disorder impairing communication abilities. This disorder hinders comprehension and expression, making verbal communication challenging. Typically emerging post-stroke, aphasia affects individuals in their middle age, regardless of gender.

According to the press release, Williams’ aphasia has already posed significant challenges in her life. However, her team remains optimistic, emphasizing the importance of early detection and increased empathy to combat the stigma associated with dementia, advocating for understanding, support, and proper care for those affected.

Williams gained prominence as the host of her self-titled talk show from 2008 to 2021. Concerns regarding her health surfaced after an on-air fainting incident in 2017, compounded by extended health-related hiatuses in 2019 and 2020, culminating in the conclusion of her show in 2021, prompting speculation about her cognitive well-being.

Despite Williams’ openness about her health, including discussions about Graves’ disease in 2018 and a lymphedema diagnosis in 2022, rumors persisted, prompting her team to issue an official statement addressing her condition. Following a series of medical evaluations, Williams was diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia.

The decision to share this challenging news was driven by the desire to advocate for understanding and compassion towards Williams and to raise awareness about aphasia and dementia. While Williams still retains many abilities and her trademark sense of humor, she requires ongoing care to address her needs and ensure her well-being. Her team expresses gratitude for the outpouring of support and well-wishes.

Wendy Williams’ upcoming docuseries, “Where Is Wendy Williams?”, is scheduled to air on Lifetime on Saturday, February 24, at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT.