When Bruce Willis stepped away from the limelight, his fans were left wondering about the reason behind his decision. Little did they know, Willis had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a form of dementia that affects behavior and language skills.
In a heartfelt statement, Willis’ daughter, Rumer Willis, expressed the family’s deep gratitude for the outpouring of love and support they have received since sharing the news of their father’s diagnosis. She also provided an update on his condition, revealing that his aphasia, a language disorder, has progressed into FTD.
Emma, Willis’ wife and caretaker, has been sharing updates on her husband’s condition with fans. During an appearance on the Today show for World Frontotemporal Dementia Awareness Week, she candidly spoke about the challenges that come with dementia. “Dementia is hard. It’s hard on the person diagnosed, it’s hard on the family. That is no different for Bruce, or myself, or our girls. When they say this is a family disease, it really is,” Emma said.
On March 19, Willis celebrated his 69th birthday. However, the family’s joy is marred by worry over his weight loss and decreased appetite, further signs of his declining health. According to a source close to the family, Willis “doesn’t express hunger much,” making it a challenge to ensure he gets proper nutrition.
The effects of FTD are heartbreaking. Willis now struggles to communicate and recognize people, and his once-sharp mind has been affected. Glenn Gordon, Willis’ co-star in Sixth Sense, revealed that the actor, known for his voracious reading habits, can no longer indulge in his favorite pastime. “All those language skills are no longer available to him,” Gordon said.
In the midst of this difficult journey, Willis’ wife, Emma, took to Instagram to address the misconceptions surrounding dementia. She emphasized that while grief and sadness are part of the experience, there is also love, connection, and joy. Emma hopes to challenge the negative narrative and offer hope to others facing similar circumstances.
Bruce Willis is surrounded by unwavering support from his family, including his ex-wife Demi Moore and their daughters. They understand the importance of spending quality time with him and strive to create a warm and loving environment for him to thrive in.
As a community, let us send our love and positive thoughts to Bruce Willis and his family during this challenging time. Together, let’s ensure that no one faces dementia alone.