Bruce Willis Diagnosed With Dementia & Family Vow To Help Him ‘Live As Full A Life As Possible’

Feb 17, 2023 by apost team

Since Bruce Willis's family announced he was retiring from acting in March 2022 after being diagnosed with aphasia, they have all banded together around him to love and support him through his difficult transition. Now, they have come together once again to break the devastating news that the actor has also been diagnosed with dementia.

Bruce is one of the most legendary Hollywood actors of all time. He is most famous for his roles in action films but has also shown to have quite a diverse set of talents, appearing in films and television shows in a variety of genres and even showing off his skills as a singer. On top of that, Willis is also adored for his amazing qualities as a husband and father.

Born Walter Bruce Willis on Mar. 19, 1955, in Idar-Oberstein, Germany, Bruce had his breakthrough in 1985 with the TV series "Moonlighting," and has since appeared in more than 70 films. Some of his most loved performances include in the films "Pulp Fiction," "Armageddon," "The Sixth Sense," and – most memorably – his portrayal of John McClane in the "Die Hard" franchise.

In his private life, Bruce had some ups and downs when it came to finding love. Bruce first married actress Demi Moore in 1987, and the two had three daughters together: Rumer, Scout and Tallulah Willis. Although the couple was regarded as a Hollywood powerhouse at the time, Bruce and Moore divorced in 2000. They, however, remained good friends and great co-parents ever since.

In 2009, Bruce married model Emma Heming and the couple has two daughters together, Mabel and Evelyn Penn. Since his aphasia diagnosis, Bruce's big blended family constantly surround him with love and joy, as seen through their social media posts. 

On Feb. 16, 2023, Bruce's family again pulled together to deliver a crushing update on the star's health condition. Simultaneously on the Instagram accounts of Heming, Moore, Rumer, Scout and Tallulah, the women shared an "update about our beloved husband, father and friend since we now have a deeper understanding of what he is experiencing." They continued:

"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 post then directs readers to a full statement posted on The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration's website that detailed Bruce's condition further.

"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," the statement read.

According to the NHS, FTD affects the front and sides of the brain and can result in behavioral changes that include acting inappropriately, appearing selfish and loss of motivation." It also affects speech, wherein patients struggle to make the right sounds or use the correct tenses. It said most cases present in those between the ages of 45 to 65 and "tends to develop slowly and get gradually worse over several years."

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The statement continued:

"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."

The family urged for more awareness about the condition. "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," the statement read.

Lastly, the family thanked those who had and continue to love and support Bruce through his difficult journey. 

"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," the statement ended.

A number of Bruce's famous pals took offered words of encouragement, including model Helena Christensen, who wrote, "Sending you so much love, it is so wonderful you're such a tight knit family, it makes all the difference ♥️"

Our thoughts go out to Bruce and his loved ones through this difficult time. Are you glad to see his family constantly surrounding him in love and light? Let us know, and pass this on to family and friends as well.