Understanding Frontotemporal Dementia – which disproportionately affects Black people – through Wendy Williams’ diagnosis

The recent news of Wendy Williams’ diagnosis with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), the identical disease that actor Bruce Willis suffers from, is sending shockwaves throughout the Black community.

Williams, 59, best known for her profession as a radio and tv host, revealed her diagnosis on the Lifetime series “Where’s Wendy Williams?” a two-part documentary about her physical and mental health.

The former host of “The Wendy Williams Show” has an extended history of health problems, from cocaine addiction to cocaine-related Graves’ disease and hyperthyroidism. In 2017, she passed out on set during a live Halloween taping, and in 2019, she admitted to living in a sober house after being found unconscious in her New York apartment months earlier, requiring emergency hospitalization and two blood transfusions. But for a lot of, the FTD diagnosis was a bombshell and a reminder of the impact of dementia on the Black community.

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) disproportionately affects the Black community in comparison with others, and the causes remain unclear. Although research into FTD in black populations has advanced significantly over the past 20 years, the complex nature of the disease makes it difficult to pinpoint a single definitive cause.

Worryingly, the incidence of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is increasing amongst black Americans over the age of 70. This is especially concerning because FTD is each early-onset and rapidly progressive, affecting a big proportion – greater than 1 / 4 – of this population who’re already living with some type of dementia, with essentially the most common being Alzheimer’s disease. According to the study, Black Americans are less more likely to receive a diagnosis in a timely manner and usually tend to see 4 or more physicians before a diagnosis is made. Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD) Associate.

Moreover, in line with a 2023 study, FTD symptoms are inclined to be more severe in Black people Research on the University of PennsylvaniaBlack study participants reported higher dementia severity on the Clinical Dementia Rating Dementia Staging in comparison with white and Hispanic participants.

Frontotemporal dementia was discovered

The exact explanation for FTD just isn’t known, nevertheless it involves progressive damage to neurons within the areas of the brain liable for language production, often affecting people under the age of 65. As the disease progresses, the brain shrinks, further affecting areas that control behavior and personality.

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Although symptoms vary from individual to individual, early symptoms of FTD (which can appear as early as age 45) may include talking less, having trouble sleeping, and personality changes equivalent to lacking empathy or displaying socially inappropriate behavior equivalent to swearing or stealing . Other symptoms include:

• Impaired judgment
• Apathy
• Decreased self-awareness
• Loss of interest in normal every day activities
• Emotional withdrawal from others
• Loss of energy and motivation
• Language difficulties or delays, including trouble naming objects, expressing words, understanding the meaning of words, or hesitation when speaking
• Loss of concentration
• Problems with planning and organization
• Frequent mood changes
• Excitement

Although the small print of Williams’ symptoms and her family’s observations are unknown, frontotemporal dementia often presents with subtle symptoms that might be easily missed within the early stages. This is further complicated by diagnosing FTD, which is difficult. It requires an in depth description of symptoms, family and medicine history, in addition to brain scans and blood tests. Often, FTD is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning it is simply reached after other potential causes have been ruled out.

There is currently no cure for frontotemporal dementia. However, supportive care strategies equivalent to therapy, behavior modification, and medications can assist patients adjust to their recent reality and deal with the continued mental and physical changes related to the disease. No cure has been found to stop or reverse the progression of frontotemporal dementia, but cholinesterase inhibitors (drugs used to treat Parkinson’s disease), antidepressants and antipsychotics equivalent to trazadone may help relieve symptoms of agitation, aggression and insomnia in some people. People.

Living with frontotemporal dementia

Wendy Williams’ recent diagnosis has understandably led to speculation a couple of connection to her past struggles with substance abuse. However, there’s currently no evidence to suggest a link between the 2.

Experts acknowledge the numerous challenges faced by people within the early stages of FTD, including fear, frustration and even embarrassment. One of essentially the most disturbing elements of FTD is the progressive lack of independence. While the specifics of Williams’ situation are unknown, the disease often requires a big level of care, requiring a mixture of medicines, home care, potential nursing home placement, and various therapies equivalent to speech and mental health support, which could make treatment harder. a big financial burden on her family.

Advanced planning reduces this burden and helps the patient and their family make a smooth transition into the longer term.

More research is required

The path to unraveling the complexities of FTD may result in earlier diagnosis and increased research efforts, with a selected concentrate on increasing participation from the Black community. While increased participation from the Black community is critical to advancing FTD research and developing higher treatments, a concerted effort is required to make sure equitable access to research opportunities and health care resources.