Wendy Williams’ Medical Diagnosis
Wendy Williams, the former TV talk show host and controversial radio personality, has been diagnosed with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, her medical team revealed.
The news release on Thursday disclosed that Williams, aged 59, received her diagnosis last year, and these conditions have posed significant challenges in her life.
JUST IN: Wendy Williams has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, according to a press release from the former talk show host and her medical team. https://t.co/6YDJwxeVx7
— World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) February 22, 2024
Source: Twitter/ABCWorldNews
Wendy Williams' Health Struggles and Response: While Wendy Williams is still capable of performing many tasks independently, her team stated that she is facing obstacles due to her conditions.
Despite this, Williams remains grateful for the supportive messages and wishes she has received and maintains her characteristic sense of humor.
Her team assured that she is receiving the necessary care to ensure her well-being and address her needs.
"Where is Wendy Williams?" Documentary Premiere: News of Wendy Williams' recent medical diagnosis emerges just days before the premiere of "Where is Wendy Williams?" — a two-part documentary outlining her health struggles after the conclusion of her syndicated talk show in 2022.
Williams, the former host of "The Wendy Williams Show," withdrew from the broadcasting scene due to a string of health complications, including her latest diagnosis of aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, along with Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder impacting the thyroid gland.
Source: Youtube/ABC7
Financial Guardianship and Addressing Rumors: In 2022, amidst ongoing health battles, it was announced that her syndicated daytime talk show would conclude after a successful 13-year run on television.
Williams' team disclosed the health update this week to address "misleading and harmful rumors regarding her health," as many fans have expressed concerns while grappling with confusion over her physical well-being and financial situation in recent years.
In 2022, the 59-year-old was temporarily placed under financial guardianship following concerns raised by her bank, Wells Fargo, which asserted in a New York court filing that she is an "incapacitated person," as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
What exactly is aphasia?
Aphasia is a condition that affects a person's ability to speak, write, and understand language, as defined by the Mayo Clinic. This language disorder can arise after strokes or head injuries and may even lead to dementia in some cases.
Medical experts note that the effects of the disorder can vary depending on the individual's diagnosis, primarily impacting their communication skills, whether in written or spoken form.
Approximately 180,000 people in the U.S. develop aphasia each year, with the majority being middle-aged or older, as the average age of those affected is 70 years old. However, aphasia can occur in individuals of any age, including young children.
Dr. Jonathon Lebovitz, a neurosurgeon specializing in the surgical treatment of brain and spine conditions at Nuvance Health, explained to NPR in 2022, following actor Bruce Willis' diagnosis, that the severity of a person's condition depends on the specific area of the brain affected.
He noted that in most patients with aphasia, it is a symptom of a larger underlying medical issue.
What is frontotemporal dementia?
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), commonly referred to as FTD, is among the various forms of dementia that result in nerve damage within the frontal and temporal lobes. This damage leads to a decline in function within these regions, as explained by the Alzheimer's Association.
FTD can also interfere with motor function and movement, sometimes resembling symptoms of Lou Gehrig's disease, also known as ALS.
There are two distinct types of frontotemporal dementia: Behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia, which involves nerve loss in brain regions responsible for empathy, judgment, and behavior; and primary progressive aphasia (PPA), the type Williams has, which affects language abilities, including speaking, writing, and comprehension.
Approximately 30% of individuals with frontotemporal degeneration inherit the disease. The underlying causes of FTD remain unknown.
What are the treatment options for aphasia and FTD?
For individuals diagnosed with aphasia, there are various treatment options accessible.
Typically, individuals undergo speech and language therapy to restore their communication skills. Additionally, ongoing clinical trials exploring brain stimulation techniques may aid in improving individuals' ability to regain lost skills. However, long-term research on aphasia is still lacking.
Regarding FTD, medications exist to alleviate symptoms, but over time, the condition tends to worsen.
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