Wendy Williams Diagnosed With Aphasia and Dementia, Reveals Spokesperson

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Former talk show host Wendy Williams was diagnosed in 2023 with progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, according to a press release from her team.

Williams stopped hosting her eponymous talk show in 2022 amid several health struggles including a Covid-19 diagnosis, but never returned; Sherri Shepherd guest hosted The Wendy Williams Show before she got her own show in the same time slot the same year. Williams was open about her medical issues, which included autoimmune conditions such as Graves’ Disease.

The news broke just prior to the release of a Lifetime docuseries about Williams, Where Is Wendy Williams?, which was made with the cooperation of her and her family.

The press release read in part:

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.

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.

In 2023, after undergoing a battery of medical tests, Wendy was officially diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Aphasia, a condition affecting language and communication abilities, and frontotemporal dementia, a progressive disorder impacting behavior and cognitive functions, have already presented significant hurdles in Wendy’s life.

The release, which was issued to “correct inaccurate and hurtful rumors about [Williams’] health” also stated:

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.

The release also stated that “Wendy is still able to do many things for herself. Most importantly she maintains her trademark sense of humor and is receiving the care she requires to make sure she is protected and that her needs are addressed.”

Williams’ family also spoke to People exclusively to say that the former host had improved since the docuseries was made. Her sister Wanda Finnie said that Williams “is in a healing place emotionally. She’s not the person that you see in this film.”