African Americans and Health Disparities

Statistics indicate that a significant portion of African Americans are disproportionately affected by degenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, a specific type of dementia characterized by gradual brain deterioration. A recent report from the Alzheimer's Association revealed that the prevalence of dementia among African Americans is 14% to 100% greater than in their white counterparts. Additionally, there is a cumulative 43.7% risk of dementia among first-degree relatives of African Americans diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

Notably, individuals aged 70 and older within the African American community experience Alzheimer's disease at over twice the rate of whites. This figure does not account for rarer forms of dementia, such as aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), suggesting that the actual impact of these conditions could be even more severe due to frequent misdiagnoses within this population. Projections indicate that by 2060, the number of individuals affected by these conditions in the African American community could quadruple.

The release of Williams' documentary, "Where Is Wendy Williams?", which aired on February 24th and 25th, chronicles her life over the last two years, particularly following the conclusion of her talk show and her placement under financial guardianship.

Primary progressive aphasia (PPA), a rare dementia type, gradually harms the areas of the brain responsible for language and communication. While often resulting from a stroke or brain injury, it can also develop without obvious causes, severely hindering one’s ability to communicate effectively. PPA falls under the umbrella of frontotemporal dementia, which encompasses disorders stemming from the degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes, integral to speech and language functions.

Though progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia can affect individuals of any gender, age, or ethnicity, studies show that African Americans are at least four times more likely to suffer a stroke than their white counterparts, highlighting their increased risk of developing aphasia.

The communication challenges associated with aphasia can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, as evidenced in Wendy Williams' situation. Alarmingly, despite being four times more susceptible to these conditions compared to other racial groups, African Americans often lack access to necessary rehabilitation services.

Wendy Williams' documentary presents her ongoing health struggles, culminating in her admission to a treatment facility. The film captures her emotional journey, showcasing her tears and reflections on her difficulties in recent years. Family members share insights into her dementia diagnosis while advocating for changes to her guardianship established in 2022.

Before the documentary's release, Williams expressed her gratitude to her supporters through a representative from her care team. She stated, "I want to express my deep appreciation for the kindness and love I have received following my diagnosis of aphasia and frontotemporal dementia. Your overwhelming support has reminded me of the strength found in unity and compassion. I hope my experience benefits others facing similar challenges."

Among the most significant revelations in the documentary are Wendy's critical health scare in 2020 and her family's harsh critique of her financial guardianship. Her son, Kevin, disclosed that doctors diagnosed Williams with "alcohol-induced" dementia after her hospitalization in May 2020, attributing her condition to excessive alcohol consumption.

Throughout the documentary, Williams' family repeatedly criticized the management of her financial guardianship. Following the conclusion of her show in January 2022, Wells Fargo froze her accounts and sought court intervention to determine the necessity of guardianship due to her health issues. By May 2022, Williams was officially placed under financial guardianship.

Family members believe that a relative should oversee her guardianship, with Kevin arguing that the current guardian "has not done a good job of protecting" her interests. Williams' sister, Wanda, expressed her willingness to become her guardian, but her offer was met with resistance. Alex Finnie, Williams' niece, stated that the removal of family from her guardianship has left her vulnerable to exploitation by others.

Despite allegations of financial exploitation, Williams' family insists they have never sought to take advantage of her. Kevin denies any claims of misappropriating funds from his mother's accounts. At one point, Williams accused her guardian of theft but did not provide supporting evidence.

The situation mirrors that of actress Nichelle Nichols, who was diagnosed with dementia in early 2018 and placed under a conservatorship managed by Gilbert Bell, her former manager. Following concerns of financial exploitation, Nichols’ son Kyle Johnson was appointed to oversee her estate. However, longtime friend Angelique Fawcette opposed both Bell and Johnson, arguing that Nichols deserved better care.

Similarly, actor John Amos became embroiled in controversy after allegations of elder abuse surfaced regarding his son, who held power of attorney over him. His daughter, Shannon Amos, claimed that her brother was financially exploiting their father, prompting her to seek legal intervention.

Cases like Williams', Nichols', and Amos' highlight the potential for financial guardianship to exploit African Americans. In response to the announcement of Williams' documentary, Charlamagne Tha God expressed concern over the intentions behind it, suggesting that her team was exploiting her vulnerabilities.

A dementia diagnosis profoundly affects not only the individual but also their entire family. While many people consider estate planning in terms of death and asset transfer, few adequately prepare for the possibility of incapacity. When a person's mental capacity declines, they may lose the ability to make legal decisions, complicating matters for their loved ones.

While conservatorship or financial guardianship may sometimes be necessary, it is crucial to weigh the potential downsides of these legal actions. How can we determine the best path for someone facing incapacity when it appears that no one involved prioritizes their well-being?

Wendy Williams' docu-series reveals the harsh reality of health and financial struggles and their implications for those affected. The diagnosis of aphasia, as experienced by Bruce Willis, also sparked an awareness campaign aimed at increasing understanding of the condition.

Williams' situation underscores the stark racial disparities in the management of degenerative diseases and the available options for care. Observing her in such a vulnerable state exposes the failures of the system meant to protect her, reflecting the broader neglect faced by African Americans in healthcare.

Ultimately, one must question whether awareness or exploitation will lead to the rehabilitation and treatment that individuals like Wendy Williams truly deserve.

This video explores Wendy Williams' eye condition related to Graves' Disease, detailing its impact on her health and public life.