Wendy Williams has asked for "personal space and peace" after disclosing her primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia diagnosis.

Wendy Williams asks for 'personal space and peace' after dementia diagnosis

Wendy Williams asks for 'personal space and peace' after dementia diagnosis

The 59-year-old TV star's care team announced her diagnosis earlier this week after speculation about Wendy's health and, while the star is grateful to the public for their outpouring of love, she has asked for privacy as she continues to deal with her illness.

She said in a statement to PEOPLE: "I want to say I have immense gratitude for the love and kind words I have received after sharing my diagnosis of Aphasia and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). Let me say, wow! Your response has been overwhelming. 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. I want to also thank the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration for their kind words of support and their extraordinary efforts to raise awareness of FTD. I continue to need personal space and peace to thrive. Please just know that your positivity and encouragement are deeply appreciated."

When announcing her aphasia and dementia diagnoses recently, Wendy's team said that the issues have "already presented significant hurdles in Wendy's life".

The care team said in a statement: "In 2023, after undergoing a battery of medical tests, Wendy was officially diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia. Aphasia, a condition affecting language and communication abilities, and frontotemporal dementia, a progressive disorder impacting cognitive functions, have already presented significant hurdles in Wendy's life.

"Wendy would not have received confirmation of these diagnoses were it not for the diligence of her current care team, who she chose, and the extraordinary work of the specialists at Weill Cornell Medicine. Receiving a diagnosis has enabled Wendy to receive the medical care she requires."

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