Wendy Williams has suffered several health setbacks that have caused her to press pause on her career.
The former “Wendy Williams Show” host — who has struggled with addiction and thyroid issues among other ailments — announced that she was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia in February 2024.
Here is a look into Williams’ health battles over the years.
“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,” a press release stated.
Williams underwent several medical tests in 2023 after her memory started to fail and she began to “lose words” and “act erratically.”
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a group of disorders that occur when nerve cells in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain are lost, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. The condition can affect behavior, personality, language and movement.
“Receiving a diagnosis has enabled Wendy to receive the medical care she requires,” the statement said.
Williams is apparently still able to do many things on her own and she has maintained her “trademark sense of humor.”
“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,” the statement continued.
While receiving care at a treatment facility, her family claimed they had been unable to contact her.
