Wendy Williams thanks fans for support after dementia and aphasia diagnosis

Former US talk show host Wendy Williams has thanked fans for their support over her dementia and aphasia diagnosis.

Williams, 59, said their response had been "overwhelming" and she had "immense gratitude for the love and kind words" received.

In a statement released to the Associated Press, the star said the messages had reminded her of "the power of unity and the need for compassion".

She hosted the nationally syndicated Wendy Williams Show for over a decade.

It ended in 2022 amid the health struggles she has been facing.

Her care team announced her diagnosis on Thursday "to correct inaccurate and hurtful rumours about her health".

A statement said: "As Wendy's fans are aware, in the past she has been open with the public about her medical struggles with Graves' Disease and Lymphedema as well as other significant challenges related to her health.

"Over the past few years, questions have been raised at times about Wendy's ability to process information and many have speculated about Wendy's condition, particularly when she began to lose words, act erratically at times, and have difficulty understanding financial transactions."

The care team added the diagnosis was confirmed by "a battery of medical tests" last year.