New footage of Wendy Williams' battle with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia has left many fans "heartbroken".
According to a press release issued by Williams' team, the former host of The Wendy Williams Show received her diagnosis last year after undergoing a battery of medical tests in 2023.
The statement released on Thursday (February 22) revealed that doctors concluded that the 59-year-old has primary progressive aphasia, which is a disorder that affects communication, impacting speech, as well as the way you write and understand both spoken and written language, per Mayo Clinic.
They also revealed that she has 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 also impact behavior, personality, language, and movement, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Other symptoms of FTD include loss of motor skills, such as difficulties with walking, swallowing, or muscle spasms. Symptoms tend to get worse over time. Patients generally begin to detect signs between 40-65 years of age, but it can affect younger people. It is the most common form of dementia for people under 60.
Following her diagnosis, footage from the talk show host's gripping new Lifetime documentary titled Where Is Wendy Williams? - which will be released on February 24 and 25 - has circulated on social media. Check out the latest clip below:
The film is executive produced by Williams and will explore the well-known host's health issues, including the autoimmune disorder Graves' disease, memory loss, and substance abuse.
One particular clip that has left many of Williams' supporters devastated is when former reality star Angela 'Blac Chyna' White drops by to check on her, and says: "You've always been like, honest with me, and put me in my place, in the most motherly, kind way."
The 35-year-old assures Williams, who is sitting in her apartment, donning a Gucci coat, and staring intently at her friend, that she will support her through her illness and make frequent visits.
The TV personality responded: "Well, my real name is Wendy Hunter. Yep. And I’m divorced. He’s got no money." White then gets emotional as she realizes her friend didn't understand anything she's been saying. White then says "I love you" to Williams, who replies: "So do I." The pair then embrace.
One fan on X (formerly Twitter) captioned the video "Seeing Wendy like this is heartbreaking," while another chimed in: "Extremely heartbreaking it’s like seeing my mom."
A third user shared a personal experience, writing: "Dementia is so unforgiving. Watching my grandma go through this in her 70s till she passed at 81 was gut-wrenching. Witnessing loved ones deteriorating in front of you is never easy."
A fourth added: "This almost choked me up...I genuinely hate seeing somebody go through this. I’ve seen firsthand what dementia can do to ppl and it’s devastating. Prayers for her."
Williams has been working with specialists at Weill Cornell Medicine. FTD is also the disease that Bruce Willis was diagnosed with last year after previously being diagnosed with aphasia in 2022.
The TV star's care team shared that they are releasing the update to stop the spread of "inaccurate and hurtful rumors" that have circulated regarding her health.
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 is "still able to do many things for herself" and has maintained her "trademark sense of humor," concluding: "[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."
Williams' documentary will air on Lifetime at 8PM ET/PT on February 24 and 25.