Wendy Williams' team discloses her battle with progressive aphasia and dementia

WASHINGTON (TND) — Former talk show host Wendy Williams has been diagnosed withprimary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), according to her team.

The 59-year-old received the diagnosis last year after undergoing several medical tests and "have already presented significant hurdles in Wendy's life," a news release stated.

"Wendy is still able to do many things for herself," the team said. "Most importantly she maintains her trademark sense of humor and is 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."

Aphasia, according to Mayo Clinic,is a disorder that affects how you communicate and can impact speech as well. The condition "usually happens after a stroke or a head injury. But it can also come on gradually from a slow-growing brain tumor or diseasethat causes progressive, permanent damage (degenerative)," the group adds.

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) " is an umbrella term for a group of brain diseases that mainly affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain," the Mayo Clinic explains. It can affect the areas of the brain associated with personality, behavior and language.

Her team said the decision to share the news was to not only advocate for understanding and compassion but to raise awareness about aphasia and frontotemporal dementia.

Williams has been working with specialists at Weill Cornell Medicine to receive the medical care she requires.

In February 2023, actor Bruce Willis was also diagnosedwith aphasia and FTD.

Willis, 67, retired from acting in March 2022 when he was diagnosed.