Bruce Willis diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, family says

WASHINGTON — Famous actor Bruce Willis has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, his family shared on Thursday.

“Since we announced Bruce’s diagnosis of aphasia in the spring of 2022, Bruce’s condition has progressed and we now have a more specific diagnosis,” the statement signed by his wife Willis , Emma Heming Willis, his ex-wife Demi Moore and his five children. , Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel and Evelyn.

“Unfortunately, communication challenges are just one symptom of the illness Bruce faces. While this is painful, it’s a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis,” the statement said. published online by the Forehead Degeneration Association, explains.

According to the Mayo Clinic, frontotemporal dementia, also known as FTD, is the cause of about 10% to 20% of dementia cases.

RELATED: What is frontotemporal dementia?

“Bruce has always believed in using her voice in the world to help others and raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately,” the family said in the statement. “We know in our hearts that – if he can today – he wants to respond by gaining global attention and connecting with those who are also dealing with this debilitating illness and how It affects so many individuals and their families.”

The Mayo Clinic explains that frontotemporal dementia is a general term for a group of brain disorders and tends to occur between the ages of 40 and 65.

In 2022, Willis announced he would be retiring a decades-long acting career after his initial diagnosis. According to the Mayo Clinic, aphasia is a condition that affects cognitive abilities such as speaking, writing, and understanding language.

“As a family, We want to take this opportunity to thank you all for your love and compassion for Bruce over the past ten months. Your spiritual generosity has been overwhelming, and we are so grateful for it. For your kindness and because we know you love Bruce as much as we do, we wanted to keep you updated.

Since we announced Bruce’s diagnosis of aphasia in the spring of 2022, Bruce’s condition has progressed and we now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia ( called FTD). Unfortunately, communication challenges are just one symptom of the illness Bruce faces. While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis.

FTD is a nasty disease many of us have never heard of and can strike anyone. For people under age 60, FTD is the most common form of dementia, and because diagnosis can take years, FTD may be much more common than we know. Today there is no cure for the disease, a fact that we hope could change in the coming years. As Bruce’s condition progresses, we hope that any media attention may be focused on shedding light on this disease that needs more awareness and research.

Bruce has always believed in using his voice in the world to help others and raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately. Deep down we know that – if he can today – he wants to give back by drawing global attention and connection to those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease and it How it affects so many individuals and their families.

Our family is just one family with a loved one with FTD and we encourage others facing it to find the rich resources and support available through AFTD (@theaftd, theaftd.org ). And for those of you who are fortunate enough not to have any personal experience with FTD, we hope that you will take the time to learn about it and support AFTD’s mission in any way you can.

Bruce has always found joy in life – and has helped everyone he knows to do the same. That means the whole world will see that feeling of care for him and all of us. We are so touched by the love you all have for our dear husband, father and friend during this difficult time. Your unwavering compassion, understanding and respect will allow us to help Bruce live the fullest life possible.

-Emma, ​​Demi, Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel and Evelyn”