Can Alcohol Cause Dementia? What Science Says About Wendy Williams' Son's Claim Drinking Affected Her Brain

Wendy Williams' drinking led to her dementia diagnosis, her son claims in a new docuseries about the former TV host.

Kevin Hunter Jr., 23, appeared on Sunday's episode of Lifetime's "Where Is Wendy Williams?" and he claimed that doctors said alcohol negatively affected his mother's brain.

"I was able to really learn more about things going on with my mother internally," he explained, as seen in clips from the docuseries shared by Entertainment Tonight.

"[Doctors] basically said that because she was drinking so much, it was starting to affect her headspace and her brain. So, I think they said it was alcohol-induced dementia," Hunter said.

A 2020 study published in the journal Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment found a link between "high-level alcohol consumption" and brain damage.

Researchers suggested that having more than 14 drinks per week can lead to "an increase in dementia risk, post-mortem reduction in brain volume, and MRI signs of brain damage via possibly multiple pathways."

The new docuseries, which detailed how Williams' substance abuse issues led to her being placed under the control of a court-ordered guardian, showed her drinking several times.

In one scene in the documentary, Williams was confronted by her manager, Will Selby, about her drinking.

Upon finding an empty vodka bottle in Williams' room, Selby asked her if she drank the entire bottle while lying in bed all day.

The former talk show host initially admitted to doing so before denying it and insisting that she was "not drunk," according to the Daily Mail.

"I never said you were drunk, but I just don't know if this is a good idea," her manager said. "So, you think you're perfectly fine having as many drinks as you want?"

This appeared to anger Williams, who responded, "Perfectly," before adding, "F**k you!"

When Selby tried to take the bottle of vodka away, Williams told him to "keep it there."

At one point in the documentary, Williams said she has no plans to stop drinking anytime soon.

"Will [Selby] drinks. We all drink -- why can't I?" she said.

In the docuseries, Selby said Williams entered a treatment facility in April last year for "cognitive issues" stemming from her alcohol abuse.

According to her manager, the media personality is still at the facility, where she has no access to her family members or friends.

Williams revealed earlier this month that she has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia.

She shared that she was diagnosed with the conditions, which affect language, communication behavior and function, after undergoing "a battery of medical tests" in 2023.

"I want to say I have immense gratitude for the love and kind words I have received after sharing my diagnosis of Aphasia and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). Let me say, wow! Your response has been overwhelming. The messages shared with me have touched me, reminding me of the power of unity and the need for compassion," Williams said in a statement obtained by CBS News.

She continued, "I continue to need personal space and peace to thrive. Please just know that your positivity and encouragement are deeply appreciated."

According to the former shock jock's team, they decided to announce her diagnoses to "advocate for understanding and compassion" for Williams and to raise awareness about the conditions.

Williams' team insisted that while she is receiving the care she needs, the former TV personality can still do many things for herself.