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​TV host’s same diagnosis as Bruce Willis ​

A famous American talk show host has tragically been diagnosed with the same cognitive disease as Bruce Willis after she behaved erratically.
Wendy Williams in 2018. Paras Griffin/Getty Images

Wendy Williams in 2018. Paras Griffin/Getty Images

A former US talk show host has been diagnosed last year with primary aggressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, it’s been revealed, the same two medical issues Hollywood superstar Bruce Willis is battling.

Aphasia affects language and communication abilities, while frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a progressive disorder, impacts behaviour and cognitive functions.

Wendy Williams, who hosted the nationally broadcast Wendy William Show, was diagnosed last year but it was only made public now, reported the New York Post.

The news about Williams, 59, follows on the heels of a People magazine report that her family does not know in which facility she is being treated, and that they speak to her only when she calls them.
 

Wendy Williams speaks onstage at Vulture Festival on May 19, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Vulture Festival)
Wendy Williams speaks onstage at Vulture Festival on May 19, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Vulture Festival)


Williams is the subject of an upcoming Lifetime TV docuseries, Where Is Wendy Williams?, which will be aired in the coming days in the US.

“On behalf of Wendy Williams Hunter, her care team is sharing this very personal update with her cherished fans, friends and supporters to correct inaccurate and hurtful rumours about her health,” read a statement released on Thursday morning.

“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 continued.

“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 FTD and … [they] have already presented significant hurdles in Wendy’s life.”
 

Bruce Willis was diagnosed with dementia less than a year after he retired from acting because of growing cognitive difficulties. (Photo by Angela Weiss / AFP)
Bruce Willis was diagnosed with dementia less than a year after he retired from acting because of growing cognitive difficulties. (Photo by Angela Weiss / AFP)


Bruce Willis retired from acting in 2022 due to his aphasia and was diagnosed with FTD in 2023

Williams hosted the popular daytime talk show, from 2008 until she left in 2022 on the heels of her erratic behaviour and medical diagnoses of Lymphedema and Graves’ disease. She did not host her show in its final season due to her condition.

“Wendy would not have received confirmation of these diagnoses were it not for the diligence of her current care team, who she chose, and the extraordinary work of the specialists at Weill

Cornell Medicine,” the statement continued.
 

Wendy Williams as seen in a trailer for the two-part Lifetime documentary “Where Is Wendy Williams?” Picture: Lifetime
Wendy Williams as seen in a trailer for the two-part Lifetime documentary “Where Is Wendy Williams?” Picture: Lifetime

Wendy Williams as seen in a trailer for the two-part Lifetime documentary “Where Is Wendy Williams?” Picture: Lifetime

“Receiving a diagnosis has enabled Wendy to receive the medical care she requires.

“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,” Williams’ care team continued.

“Unfortunately, many individuals diagnosed with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia face stigma and misunderstanding, particularly when they begin to exhibit behavioural changes but have not yet received a diagnosis.

 
Wendy Williams attends the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women Red Dress Collection 2018 presented by Macy's at Hammerstein Ballroom on February 8, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for AHA)
Wendy Williams attends the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women Red Dress Collection 2018 presented by Macy's at Hammerstein Ballroom on February 8, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for AHA)


 
Wendy Williams appears onstage during the Lane Bryant launch of the #PlusIsEqual campaign at Times Square on September 14, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images for Lane Bryant)
Wendy Williams appears onstage during the Lane Bryant launch of the #PlusIsEqual campaign at Times Square on September 14, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images for Lane Bryant)


“There is hope that with early detection and far more empathy, the stigma associated with

dementia will be eliminated, and those affected will receive the understanding, support, and

care they deserve and need.”

Williams’ care team noted that she is “still able to do many things for herself” and that “she maintains her trademark sense of humour” while “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 said.

This story appeared in the New York Post and is reproduced with permission.

Author: Editors Desk

Source: News Corp Australia Network:

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