Dr. Jonathon Lebovitz, a neurosurgeon specializing in the surgical treatment of brain and spine conditions at , told NPR in 2022 , that a person's condition depends on the exact portion of the brain that's impacted. "In most patients that have aphasia, it is a symptom of a larger medical issue," Lebovitz said. What is frontotemporal dementia? Frontotemporal dementia, commonly known as FTD, is one of several types of dementia that cause nerve damage in the frontal and temporal lobes — which leads to a loss of function in those areas, according to the. FTD can also disrupt motor function and movement, which could be classified as Lou Gehrig's disease — otherwise known as ALS. There are two different types of frontotemporal dementia: Behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia, which causes nerve loss in the areas of the brain that control empathy, judgment and conduct, and primary progressive aphasia (PPA) — the form Williams has, which affects language skills, speaking, writing and comprehension. About 30% of people with frontotemporal degeneration inherit the disease. The underlying causes of FTD are unknown. What are the treatment options for aphasia and FTD? For those who are diagnosed with aphasia, there are several treatment options available. Traditionally, most people undergo a form of speech and language therapy to restore their communicative skills. Additionally, there are ongoing clinical trials that use brain stimulation and may help improve one's ability to regain skills. , Wendy Williams Hunter [a] (née Wendy Joan Williams; born July 18, 1964) is an American former broadcaster, media personality, and writer. Prior to television, Williams was a radio DJ and host and quickly became known in New York City as a shock jock., Wendy Williams, the former TV talk show host and shock jock, has been diagnosed with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, her medical team announced..