Wendy Williams has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia as well as aphasia, her team has revealed.
In a press release shared on Thursday (February 22), the former Wendy Williams Show host's care team revealed that 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," it 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, particularly when she began to lose words, act erratically at times, and have difficulty understanding financial transactions," they added.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a group of disorders that occur when nerve cells in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain are lost. It can affect behavior, personality, language, and movement.
Williams' team stated that receiving this 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."
"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," they shared.
Williams' team’s statement concluded the statement by noting that the former TV personality - 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.
The disclosure of Williams' condition comes just two days ahead of the release of Lifetime's documentary, Where Is Wendy Williams? Have a look at the full documentary trailer below:
The documentary, on which Wendy served as an executive producer, had initially been intended to follow her comeback as she launched a new podcast, but ended up evolving into something very different as followed her various health issues.
These include Graves disease - an autoimmune condition which can cause bulging eyes - and lymphedema, which causes swelling in the feet.
In the documentary, her manager and jeweler - Will Selby - explained that filming stopped in April 2023 when she entered the facility for her "cognitive issues".
Wendy's family has spoken to People for the first time since she was admitted, claiming that only a court-appointed guardian has unlimited access to contact the star in the facility where she remains to this day.
Her sister Wanda, 65, told the outlet: "The people who love her cannot see her. I think the big [question] is: How the hell did we get here?"
Wendy Williams' two-part documentary is set to debut on Lifetime on February 24 and 25.
We wish her and her family the best at this time.
