bruce Willis Receives Frontotemporal Dementia Diagnosis, Family Reveals
LOS ANGELES, CA - Actor Bruce Willis has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), his family announced Wednesday, building on a previous diagnosis of aphasia. The revelation comes as Willis has stepped away from acting to focus on his health.
His wife, Emma Heming Willis, shared the diagnosis in a statement and during a special program with ABC News’ Diane Sawyer. She described the initial signs as subtle changes, noting he began to discontinue a cherished routine of taking their daughter to school. “He always loved to do it, and suddenly these trips became rarer,” she recalled. Observers of his recent film work also noted a decline in his ability to deliver lines, often limited to simple sentences, as his memory deteriorated.
“It started with aphasia, which is word loss, and then it morphed into FTD,” Heming Willis explained. She emphasized the importance of informing their daughters about the diagnosis to prevent feelings of being ignored.”Bruce is still very mobile and physically healthy, but his brain is disappointing,” she said.
Despite the challenges, the family finds solace in moments of connection. “When we are with him, he gets to be. He holds our hands,kiss him,hug him,and he reciprocates,” Willis shared. He acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, stating, “The most arduous decision I’ve ever made.”
Heming Willis is releasing a book on September 7th, titled “The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path,” detailing her experience as a caregiver. She has also become an advocate for families navigating dementia, emphasizing the global feelings of sadness, regret, and anger experienced by caregivers “Irrespective of origin…these are common feelings that unite us.”
FTD is a degenerative disease that impacts personality, behavior, and language. The family has prioritized Willis’s comfort and care, ensuring he receives constant attention from specialists and enjoys daily interaction with loved ones.
