Bruce Willis diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia
Topics: Bruce Willis
Callum Jones
Featured Image Credit: PA Images / Simon Matthews / Alamy Stock Photo
Topics: Bruce Willis
Bruce Willis' family have revealed the actor has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
FTD impacts the lobes of the brain behind the forehead, with symptoms such as personality changes, obsessive behavior and speaking difficulties common.
His wife Emma Heming, ex-wife Demi Moore, and five daughters posted the following statement on The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration's website: "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.
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"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."
The family added that they hope while there is no cure for the cruel disease, media attention surrounding Willis' illness will shine a light on the need for more awareness and research.
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.
"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 latest development in Willis' health comes nearly a year after the Die Hard actor retired from acting due to being diagnosed with aphasia.