Claims that Wendy Williams’ past cognitive decline stemmed from alcohol-related dementia, not frontotemporal dementia, are now at the center of a growing legal fight over her conservatorship.
During a December 9 appearance on ABC News’ Nightline, attorney Joe Tacopina said Williams’ condition was mischaracterized when she was placed under court supervision. According to Tacopina, years of heavy alcohol use led to cognitive issues that were later labeled as frontotemporal dementia and progressive aphasia, diagnoses first revealed publicly in 2023 and referenced in guardianship filings.
Tacopina said a recent neurological evaluation contradicts those claims. He told Nightline that Williams was examined by Dr. Samuel E. Gandy, a New York City neurologist specializing in Alzheimer’s disease, who concluded that Williams does not have frontotemporal dementia. Tacopina emphasized the weight of that opinion, describing Gandy as a leading authority in the field.
Instead, Tacopina said Williams previously suffered from alcohol-induced dementia, a form of alcohol-related brain damage. He acknowledged that Williams struggled with alcoholism at the time, alleging she was frequently intoxicated and required rehabilitation. He added that she has since stopped drinking.
“There’s something called alcohol-induced dementia. That may have been something Wendy was suffering from back in [2023], 24.” He continued, “She was an alcoholic, no question about it.”
Medical experts explain that alcohol-related dementia can develop after prolonged heavy alcohol use and is associated with brain cell damage, changes in brain structure, and nutritional deficiencies, particularly low thiamine levels. In some cases, symptoms may improve with sustained sobriety and treatment, though severe damage can be permanent.
Tacopina also pushed back on reports suggesting Williams’ dementia diagnoses were reaffirmed this year, saying he has not seen the medical reports or the doctor who allegedly issued them.
Williams’ court-appointed guardian, Sabrina E. Morrissey, denied any wrongdoing and said the court oversees all decisions. Still, recent public appearances by Williams, including at New York Fashion Week, have fueled renewed debate over whether the conservatorship remains necessary.
