Wendy Williams is speaking out for the first time after it was revealed that the tv host was diagnosed with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia. According to an exclusive report by @people, Wendy released a statement to the news outlet and thanked all of her fans for their “overwhelming” support since the devastating news hit the internet.
“I want to say I have immense gratitude for the love and kind words I have received after sharing my diagnosis of Aphasia and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD),” she said. “Let me say, wow! Your response has been overwhelming. The messages shared with me have touched me, reminding me of the power of unity and the need for compassion.”
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“I hope that others with FTD may benefit from my story. I want to also thank the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration for their kind words of support and their extraordinary efforts to raise awareness of FTD,” Williams added. “I continue to need personal space and peace to thrive. Please just know that your positivity and encouragement are deeply appreciated.”
As we previously reported, Wendy Williams was diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, her team said in a statement Thursday. She was diagnosed last year after undergoing several medical tests. Her team said the conditions have “presented significant hurdles in Wendy’s life.”
“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. Receiving a diagnosis has enabled Wendy to receive the medical care she requires,” Williams’ team said in a news release.
Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a type of neurological disorder characterized by a gradual and progressive loss of language abilities. It is a form of dementia that primarily affects language skills, including speaking, understanding, reading, and writing.
PPA is caused by damage to the areas of the brain responsible for language, such as the left frontal and temporal lobes. This damage can be caused by various underlying conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, or other neurological disorders.
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a group of neurodegenerative disorders that primarily affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, leading to changes in behavior, personality, and language abilities. It is one of the most common forms of dementia in individuals under the age of 65.