Hollywood star Bruce Willis has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.
His wife, entrepreneur and model Emma Heming Willis, ex-wife, actor and author Demi Moore and his five daughters, Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel, and Evelyn shared the news in a statement posted in conjunction with the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, revealing the actor’s condition had progressed since he was diagnosed with aphasia last year.
“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,” they write.
“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).”
The Willis/Moore women say that while learning this news has been painful, “it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis.”
They add that “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 – 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.”
The message ends:”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.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, frontotemporal dementia is a term for a group of brain disorders affecting the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain which are associated with behaviour, personality and language. For people under 60, it is the most common form of dementia.
Bruce’s family shared his aphasia diagnosis in March, 2022. The 67-year-old Die Hard star has since stepped away from acting to focus on his health.
(Feature Image Credit: Denis Makarenko/Shutterstock)