FTD is caused by progressive nerve cell loss in the brain’s frontal lobes, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Aphasia is a disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate. Bruce Willis revealed last year that he was also diagnosed with aphasia.
The press release said that “after undergoing a battery of medical tests,” Williams, 59, was diagnosed last year.
“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,” the release said.
Williams’ team noted that the decision to share her diagnosis was “difficult,” but they are hoping the news will bring awareness to aphasia and FTD.
Her team said that the media personality can still “do many things for herself” and is receiving treatment.
“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,” the release said. “She is appreciative of the many kind thoughts and good wishes being sent her way.”
Williams previously revealed that she was diagnosed with Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid, and hyperthyroidism more than 20 years ago.
While appearing on Good Morning America, she opened up about her previous diagnoses, noting that at the time, she wasn’t prioritizing her health.
“We, as women, particularly if — we have families, you know, we’re taking care of children, we’re taking care of, you know, home, our husbands, we take care of everybody but ourselves,” she told GMA in March 2018, People reports.