Talk show host Wendy Williams has aphasia, her family says. What is it?

Fort Worth Star-Telegram - 2/22/2024

Famed talk show host Wendy Williams was diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, her family announced Thursday, Feb. 22.

The care team for the former radio host, 59, said it shared the news “to correct inaccurate and hurtful rumors about her health,” according to a news release.

“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,” her team said.

Williams’ aphasia was diagnosed in 2023 after she underwent “a battery of medical tests,” according to the release.

In a recent interview with People, the former television host’s sister Wanda Finnie revealed Williams is in a facility that treats cognitive issues, adding: “She is, from what I understand, in a wellness, healing type of environment.”

Here’s what to know about aphasia:

What’s aphasia?

Aphasia is a disorder caused by damage to certain parts of the brain responsible for speech and language, according to the National Institutes of Health.

It can come on suddenly following a stroke or severe head injury, health experts say. Other times, the disease is slower and more progressive.

“The disorder impairs the expression and understanding of language as well as reading and writing,” according to the NIH. It can also occur with existing speech disorders, including dysarthria, or difficulty speaking, experts say.

What causes aphasia?

Aphasia is typically the result of another condition, according to Mayo Clinic.

“Primary progressive aphasia is the term used for language difficulty that develops gradually,” the clinic’s website states. “This is due to the gradual degeneration of brain cells located in the language networks.”

“Sometimes this type of aphasia will progress to a more generalized dementia,” Mayo Clinic said.

Other causes include:

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms can vary based on the type of aphasia someone has, according to the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

For example, those diagnosed with Broca aphasia may stop using the words “and” and “the,” and may speak in short sentences, experts say.

Wernicke aphasia is characterized by “long confusing sentences,” unnecessary words or unrecognizable words, according to the medical school. Those with this type of aphasia may also have trouble understanding language.

Lastly, people with global aphasia have a difficult time speaking or understanding language, according to Johns Hopkins.

Williams’ family did not specify which type of aphasia she has.

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