Bruce Willis condition update, now diagnosed with ‘frontotemporal dementia’
It was less than a year ago in March 2022 when action film star Bruce Willis’ family shared with the world that Bruce was suffering with aphasia and would be retiring. According to the Mayo Clinic, “… aphasia is a disorder that affects how you communicate. It can impact your speech, as well as the way you write and understand both spoken and written language.”
During the year leading up to Bruce’s aphasia announcement, the “Moonlighting” and “Die-Hard” star was still working and appearing before the cameras – and reportedly had to be fed lines and was confused much of the time as to where he was and what he was doing.
Sadly, Willis’ condition has taken a turn for the worse. Yesterday, his family released word that Bruce’s “condition has progressed and we now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia.”
Demi Moore Instagram post on Bruce Willis’ Dementia Diagnosis:
Our family wanted to start by expressing our deepest gratitude for the incredible outpouring of love, support and wonderful stories we have all received since sharing Bruce’s original diagnosis. In the spirit of that, we wanted to give you an update about our beloved husband, father and friend since we now have a deeper understanding of what he is experiencing.
Since we announced Bruce’s diagnosis of aphasia in spring 2022, Bruce’s condition has progressed and we now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia (known as FTD). Unfortunately, challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease Bruce faces. While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis.
The rest of Demi’s statement was posted on The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD) website.
A Statement from the Willis Family
February 16, 2023
… FTD is a cruel disease that many of us have never heard of and can strike anyone. For people under 60, FTD is the most common form of dementia, and because getting the diagnosis can take years, FTD is likely much more prevalent than we know. Today there are no treatments for the disease, a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead. As Bruce’s condition advances, we hope that any media attention can be focused on shining a light on this disease that needs far more awareness and research.
Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately. We know in our hearts that – if he could today — he would want to respond by bringing global attention and a connectedness with those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease and how it impacts so many individuals and their families.
Ours is just one family with a loved one who suffers from FTD, and we encourage others facing it to seek out the wealth of information and support available through AFTD (@theaftd, theaftd.org). And for those of you who have been fortunate enough to not have any personal experience with FTD, we hope that you will take the time to learn about it, and support AFTD’s mission in whatever way you can.
Bruce has always found joy in life – and has helped everyone he knows to do the same. It has meant the world to see that sense of care echoed back to him and to all of us. We have been so moved by the love you have all shared for our dear husband, father, and friend during this difficult time. Your continued compassion, understanding, and respect will enable us to help Bruce live as full a life as possible.
-Emma, Demi, Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel, and Evelyn
Bruce Willis Bio: “Actor and musician Bruce Willis is well known for playing wisecracking or hard-edged characters, often in spectacular action films. Collectively, he has appeared in films that have grossed in excess of $2.5 billion USD.” … more
For more on Bruce’s dementia diagnosis, see the video accompanying this article.
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today / Follow Richard on Facebook. Twitter & Instagram
