Yes, Wendy Williams has Dementia. But How?
Wendy Williams, a media personality and talk show, host known for her loud, vibrant, and honest personality and opinions was diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia last year that has impacted her ability to be the entertainer we have known her to be for decades.
Frontotemporal Dementia is rare and occurs in younger adults than other dementias.
What is a the dementia?
Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning (thinking, remembering, and reasoning) that can impact someone’s ability to do daily functions.
What does Frontotemporal mean?
Frontotemporal refers to the location of the injured tissue causing the dementia. Frontotemporal is the area of the brain near the forehead (frontal lobes) and side of the head (temporal lobes). This area is the brain is associated with someone’s behavior, personality, and language skills.
What causes Frontotemporal Dementia?
The exact cause of Frontotemporal Dementia is unknown but so far studies show it is due to a genetic mutation.
What are symptoms of Frontotemporal Dementia?
Some common symptoms include but are not limited to…
Increasingly inappropriate social behavior that can be impulsive or repetitive
Repetitive compulsive behavior, such as tapping, clapping or smacking lips
Loss of empathy and other interpersonal skills, such as having sensitivity to another's feelings
Frequent mood changes
Lack of judgment and apathy
Changes in eating habits
Difficulty in using and understanding written and spoken language,
Is Frontotemporal Dementia like Alzheimer’s Dementia
Though both are forms of dementia that can present different. Frontotemporal Dementia is associated with younger adults and Alzheimer’s Dementia is associated with older adults. Because Alzheimer’s Dementia is more common it can cause a delay in Frontotemporal Dementia diagnoses because of overlapping symptoms.
Is Frontotemporal Dementia curable?
No. Frontotemporal Dementia is not curable and there are not specific treatments. Medications are used to help manage common symptoms to improve quality of life.
Dementia can be difficulty to recognize in its early stages but it is important to be evaluated as early as possible if you are concerned about your brain health or the brain health of someone else.
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