Further information has been released about Wendy Williams' frontotemporal dementia and aphasia diagnosis.
It has been reported that the former host of The Wendy Williams Show - which ran from 2008 to 2022 - has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, according to a press release issued by her team.
The statement released on Thursday (February 22) revealed that the 59-year-old underwent a battery of medical tests in 2023 after her memory started to fail and she began to "lose words," "act erratically" and had "difficulty understanding financial transactions".
Doctors concluded that Williams' struggles were due to Aphasia, a disorder that affects communication, including speech, writing, and the ability to understand language, as well as Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a group of disorders that occur when nerve cells in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain are lost. It can impact behavior, personality, language, and movement, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
The TV personality's care team shared that they are releasing this update to stop the spread of "inaccurate and hurtful rumors" that have circulated regarding her health.
"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 statement read. "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."
They noted that receiving this neurodegenerative diagnosis has allowed her "to receive the medical care she requires," adding: "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," they 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."
The press release concluded that the daytime host - who remains in an undisclosed treatment center - is "still able to do many things for herself" and has preserved her "trademark sense of humor".
"[She] is 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 added.
Back in February 2018, Williams announced she'd be taking a three-week break from the daytime talk show because she had been diagnosed with Graves' disease - which is an immune system disorder that results in the overproduction of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism).
She returned to her talk show, but she had to take time off in 2019 and again in 2020 to cope with her illness.
Williams' niece and sister revealed to PEOPLE that she is staying in a wellness facility. They said that because of her court-appointed guardian, they cannot contact Williams, but Williams can reach out to them.
"I spoke with her yesterday, and I speak with her very regularly when she reaches out to me. She is, from what I understand, in a wellness, healing type of environment," her sister Wanda Finnie said, adding: "She is in a healing place emotionally. She’s not the person that you see in (the documentary)."
Watch the documentary trailer below:The disclosure of Williams' condition - which Hollywood star Bruce Willis also suffers from - comes just two days ahead of the release of Lifetime's documentary titled, Where Is Wendy Williams?
The film, which is executive produced by Williams, will explore the well-known host's health issues, including the autoimmune disorder Graves' disease, memory loss, and substance abuse.
The documentary will air on Lifetime at 8PM ET/PT on February 24 and 25.
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