Wendy Williams Diagnosed With Same Form Of Dementia As Bruce Willis

Los Angeles — Wendy Williams, a former talk show host, has been diagnosed with the same form of dementia as actor Bruce Willis, according to a statement released Thursday on behalf of her carers.

According to the statement, the 59-year-old’s diagnosis of primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia “have already presented significant hurdles in Wendy’s life” and have behavioural and cognitive implications.

“Wendy can still do many things for herself. Most critically, she keeps her signature sense of humour while receiving the care she requires to ensure her safety and requirements are met. She appreciates the many warm thoughts and good wishes that have been sent her way,” according to a statement sent by her care team.

Wendy Williams Diagnosed With Same Form Of Dementia As Bruce Willis

The announcement on Williams’ health was released via PR Newswire. When The Associated Press called Jennifer Hanley, the release’s agent, she pointed queries back to the statement.

The statement comes a day after People magazine’s cover story highlighted Williams’ family about the extent of her troubles, ahead of a Lifetime documentary that will premiere on Saturday.

“The people who love her cannot see her,” People cited Williams’ sister Wanda. “I think the big (question) is: How the hell did we get here?” According to the family, the only individual with unfettered access to Williams is a court-appointed legal guardian.

According to the report, the Lifetime documentary crew, which began chronicling Williams’ comeback in 2022, ceased filming in April 2023 after her manager “and jeweller” Will Selby claimed in film footage that she entered a facility to treat “cognitive issues.” Her son claims in the video that physicians linked her cognitive difficulties to alcohol consumption, according to People.

Her family stated they do not know where she is and cannot contact her, but she can.

The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration defines FTD as a brain illness characterised by frontal and temporal lobe degeneration that affects behaviour, language, and movement. Aphasia, a brain condition that causes difficulty speaking or interpreting words, is one of its symptoms. According to the association, frontotemporal degeneration is “an inevitable decline in functioning,” with an average life expectancy of seven to 13 years from the onset of symptoms.

FTD typically affects persons in their forties, fifties, and early sixties. It can affect a person’s personality, leading to a loss of inhibition or improper behaviour. It is commonly confused with depression or bipolar disorder and can take years to diagnose.

No medicines can delay or stop the disease, but some interventions can help with symptoms.

Wendy Williams Diagnosed With Same Form Of Dementia As Bruce Willis

The organisation was engaged in the announcement of Willis’ illness in February 2023, hosting a statement posted by the actor’s family.

“We thank Wendy Williams for having the courage to make her diagnosis public and raise awareness of the disease,” the association’s CEO, Susan Dickinson, stated. “We understand that a diagnosis like this can be distressing, but she is not alone. While there may be no cure, we strive daily to enhance care and conduct research into treatments for this disease.”

According to the statement released on Thursday, Williams got care and expertise from Weill Cornell Medicine in New York. Weill Cornell declined to respond.

Williams rose to prominence in part because of her no-holds-barred attitude to her life, which includes disclosing sensitive information about her health, plastic surgery, and cocaine addiction — the topic of her 2003 memoir “Wendy’s Got the Heat.”

Wendy Williams Diagnosed With Same Form Of Dementia As Bruce Willis

“The Wendy Williams Show,” which battled for viewers with Ellen DeGeneres’ show, was known for its distinctive phrase, “How you doin’?” She moved to television following a successful career as a radio host, where she was known for her sharp commentary on gossip and skewering of celebrities, including a heated 2003 interview with Whitney Houston.

Williams’ self-titled daytime talk programme will stop in 2022 due to chronic health difficulties. Sherri Shepherd, who filled in for Williams as a guest host, now has her show.

Williams revealed in 2018 that she had been diagnosed with Graves’ illness years previously, which causes overproduction of thyroid hormones, causing a variety of symptoms and affecting general health.

SOURCE – (AP)