Wendy Williams’ Dementia Is Alcohol-Induced, Her Son Says; Everything You Need to Know About the Condition

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Wendy Williams' Dementia Is Alcohol-Induced, Her Son Says; Everything You Need to Know About the Condition

Wendy Williams just announced that he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia. Her son, Kevin Hunter Jr., confirmed her dementia was alcohol-induced.

Wendy Williams Is Suffering From Alcohol-Induced Dementia

In Lifetime's documentary "Where is Wendy Williams," the celebrity's 23-year-old son spoke about her recent diagnosis. Kevin explained that her doctors told them alcohol had already affected Williams' "headspace and her brain."

Kevin acknowledged that his mom was drinking too much alcohol. It wasn't a secret that the "Wendy Williams Show" host suffered from alcohol and substance abuse.

"They basically said that because she was drinking so much, it was starting to affect her headspace and her brain. So, I think they said it was alcohol-induced dementia," Kevin shared.

What Is Alcohol-Induced Dementia?

Alcohol-induced dementia or alcohol related dementia, as the name suggests, a type of dementia brought on by heavy alcohol consumption. This impacts memory, learning, and other mental processes. Specific types of alcohol-related brain damage include Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome and Korsakoff's syndrome, which may be connected to alcohol-related dementia.

Currently, it is unknown if alcohol directly damages brain cells or if a deficiency of the vitamin B1 thiamine causes the damage. Nutritional issues, which frequently accompany high alcohol consumption on a regular or occasional basis, are likely to be contributory factors. Vitamin deficiencies, especially severe thiamine deficiency and alcohol's direct impact on thiamine absorption and utilization, can cause damage to important brain regions.

A person suffering from alcohol-related "dementia" will find it difficult to perform daily duties. This is a result of years of excessive alcohol consumption regularly, harming their brains.

The individual could experience memory loss and struggle with reasoning. They could find it difficult to comprehend new information; for instance, they might easily forget the specifics of a conversation. Additionally, it's possible that they won't be able to recall details of past experiences or locations, such as past residences or vacation spots.

Suzanne Bass, co-executive producer of "The Wendy Williams Show," saw that Williams was struggling and was sad to learn about Williams' recent diagnosis. However, according to her, it explained why the TV personality "had problems remembering things that left her grasping for words."

Additionally, individuals with alcohol-related dementia could struggle with duties like handling their money. The symptoms could make daily living difficult. For instance, the individual might not be able to prepare food anymore.

Williams has been placed in financial guardianship since January 2022. Her bank, Wells Fargo, successfully petitioned a New York court to put her under guardianship, citing that she was at risk of financial exploitation due to cognitive issues.

ALSO READ: 11 Biomarkers in Blood Could Help Predict Dementia 15 Years Before Symptoms Show With 90% Accuracy [Study]

Symptoms and Treatments of Alcohol-Related Dementia

Those who have alcohol-related dementia may find the following challenging:

Concentrating on a job without being distracted
Resolving issues, organizing, and planning
Establishing objectives, passing judgment, and making choices
Managing their emotions - they could grow agitated or have outbursts - being driven to complete tasks or activities (even necessary ones like eating or drinking).
Recognizing the thoughts and emotions of others (even though their actions may come across as callous or insensitive).

Individual differences may be observed in the symptoms of "dementia" resulting from alcohol consumption. When a patient has the condition, a brain scan often shows that some brain areas have shrunk considerably more than others. Alcohol primarily affects the frontal lobes of the brain.

If a person stops drinking, makes dietary improvements, and takes replacements, particularly thiamine, and vitamins, B1-disease symptoms may be mitigated or even reversed in the early stages of the condition.

The initial phase of treatment can last for a few weeks. Its goals are to stabilize the person's health and get them to quit drinking. The majority of persons with "dementia" brought on by drinking will require hospital stays for this.

A person experiencing alcohol withdrawal typically experiences delirium, which can lead to mood changes, confusion, and quickly being sidetracked. They might also feel anxious, perspire, and have a rapid heartbeat. They can experience agitation or hallucinations.

Drugs that replicate the effects of alcohol on the brain may be used to treat them to lessen the symptoms of withdrawal. Reduce these medications gradually and carefully. In addition, the patient will receive large injections of thiamine (vitamin B1) along with fluids and salts.