Bruce Willis' Aphasia Diagnosis Has Progressed To Dementia, Says Family - 8days Skip to main content

Advertisement

Advertisement

Bruce Willis' Aphasia Diagnosis Has Progressed To Dementia, Says Family

After last year retiring from acting after he was diagnosed with brain disorder aphasia, the Die Hard star's family shared that he has now been diagnosed with a rare form of dementia after his initial condition “progressed”.

 

Bruce Willis' Aphasia Diagnosis Has Progressed To Dementia, Says Family

Bruce Willis is suffering from a rare and “cruel” form of dementia that can affect movement and behaviour.

The Die Hard actor, 67, last year retired from acting after he was diagnosed with brain disorder aphasia, and his family have now revealed he has now been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia after his condition “progressed”.

A joint statement from Willis's five children, wife Emma Heming, 44, and ex-wife Demi Moore, 60, posted on The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration’s website on Thursday (Feb 16), said: “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.

“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.

Moore — who has daughters  Rumer, 34, Scout, 31, and Tallulah, 29, with the Sixth Sense actor — also shared the message on Instagram. Heming and Willis have two daughters, Mabel 10, and Evelyn, eight. 

Willis’s rare condition — which consists of less than five percent of all dementia cases — affects the lobes of the brain behind the forehead, which deal with behaviour, problem-solving, planning, and emotions.

Symptoms can include personality changes, such as appearing rude, uninterested, and unsympathetic, along with repeated, compulsive movements, hoarding, and obsessions as well as craving unhealthy food.— BANG SHOWBIZ

Photos: TPG News/Click Photos

Watch exclusive 8 DAYS interviews on meWATCH and Mediacorp YouTube Channel.

Advertisement

Shopping

Advertisement

Want More? Check These Out

Watch

You May Also Like