Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia can affect anyone, including parents, partners, friends, and even celebrities. One well-known person who has gone through this journey publicly is former talk show host Wendy Williams.

In 2023, Williams was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and primary progressive aphasia (PPA). Although Alzheimer’s disease is the most recognized type of dementia, FTD and PPA are separate conditions. They affect different parts of the brain and cause different symptoms.

Williams’ diagnosis has brought more attention to these serious health conditions. Her story may help others feel less alone and raise awareness for those navigating similar challenges behind the scenes.

What Is Frontotemporal Dementia?

Frontotemporal dementia occurs when the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes become damaged or shrink. These areas control many important functions, so when they’re affected, a person’s thinking, behavior, and emotions can change.

The frontal lobe helps with:

• Social behavior — Knowing what’s appropriate to say or do
• Executive functions — Remembering things, paying attention, and planning ahead
• Reasoning — Making decisions and solving problems
• Learning — Taking in and recalling new information
• Muscle movements — Using muscles for talking, walking, and other movements

The temporal lobe helps with:

• Memory — Storing and using past experiences
• Emotions — Recognizing and managing feelings
• Language — Understanding words and meaning
• Senses — Processing sounds and sights
• Recognition — Knowing familiar people or objects

When the frontal and temporal lobes are damaged, FTD can cause symptoms such as apathy (lack of interest), emotional flatness, impulsive behavior, and trouble with focus and organization. Symptoms can vary from person to person, depending on which parts of the brain are most affected.

FTD differs from other types of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease. While Alzheimer’s mainly affects memory early on, FTD has more of an impact on language and behavior. Memory loss can happen with FTD, but it’s usually not the first or most severe symptom.

“My husband’s diagnosis is frontotemporal dementia and has progressed to include aphasia (limited words),” one myALZteam member said. Another replied, “FTD is a difficult dementia to cope with.”

There’s no treatment yet to slow or stop FTD, but some therapies and medications can help manage symptoms. For example, certain antipsychotic medications may help reduce compulsive behavior. Researchers are still working to better understand this uncommon, complex disease.

What Is Primary Progressive Aphasia?

Primary progressive aphasia is a language disorder that often develops as part of frontotemporal dementia. People with PPA may have trouble understanding others or expressing themselves. They might pause often, use the wrong words, or have trouble naming everyday objects. Over time, they may stop speaking altogether.

As with FTD, there’s no cure for PPA. However, some therapies may help improve quality of life and slow disease progression. Speech therapy can help preserve communication skills, and medications may help manage behavioral changes. If you have PPA or FTD, your neurologist will determine which treatments may best meet your needs.

How Was Wendy Williams’ Diagnosis Revealed?

Williams is a former host of “The Wendy Williams Show,” a daytime talk show that ran from 2008 to 2022. In 2024, after growing public speculation about her health, Williams’ care team released a statement. They noted that people had questions about Williams’ behavior and difficulty finding words. She was already managing other health issues, including Graves’ disease (an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid) and lymphedema (swelling caused by fluid buildup).

“Wendy was officially diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD),” the press release said. Her care team explained that they shared her diagnosis to raise understanding around conditions that may cause behavioral changes: “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 began receiving care at a facility for people with cognitive disorders. Families of people with FTD often choose skilled care facilities because they offer a safe, supportive setting with trained medical professionals.

The announcement brought a wave of support and well wishes. “Let me say, wow! Your response has been overwhelming,” Williams said in 2024. “The messages shared with me have touched me, reminding me of the power of unity and the need for compassion. I hope that others with FTD may benefit from my story.”

A year later, Williams publicly disputed the diagnosis, saying, “I am not cognitively impaired.” People with FTD often don’t acknowledge having dementia. A condition called anosognosia, in which a person is unaware of their own cognitive or behavioral changes, can make it hard for them to recognize that anything is wrong, even when loved ones are concerned.

Why Visibility Builds Dementia Awareness

Getting a dementia diagnosis can affect a person’s independence, decision-making, and relationships. These challenges may be even greater for people living with dementia in the public eye.

Williams isn’t the only celebrity living with FTD. Actor Bruce Willis also has frontotemporal dementia. Like Williams, he was first diagnosed with PPA, which progressed to FTD.

Because FTD is considered rare, many people don’t know much about it. When celebrities share their diagnoses, it helps raise awareness, which may help reduce stigma and lead to more understanding and research.

“My husband had FTD with PPA,” one myALZteam member said. “He started with aphasia like Wendy Williams and Bruce Willis. He didn’t share his pain so much at the beginning, but I can guess there were a lot of misunderstandings and stigma before he was diagnosed. I feel very bad because I couldn’t detect that until he mentioned his problems. He was 59 years old when officially diagnosed. This aphasia confuses even some doctors who are not familiar with this disease, according to his neurologist. I hope people understand this better and hope there will be some cure soon.”

Finding Support for Dementia

Hearing about celebrities with dementia can help others better understand the condition. You might find it easier to discuss your loved one’s FTD or PPA when people like Williams raise awareness.

Finding new ways to open up conversations about dementia can also allow you to talk freely about your experiences. Sharing your triumphs and challenges as a caregiver or person living with dementia can be healing. Many people find comfort and support in dementia support groups. If you have trouble finding a group focused on FTD, ask your neurology team for help or a referral.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On myALZteam, the social network for people with Alzheimer’s and their loved ones, more than 86,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with Alzheimer’s.

Has learning about Williams’ FTD diagnosis changed your understanding of this type of dementia? Share your experience in the comments below, start a conversation by posting on your Activities page, or connect with like-minded members in Groups.