Actor Bruce Willis has frontotemporal dementia.
In the spring of last year, the 67-year-old was diagnosed with aphasia – which causes difficulties with speech – but this has progressed and he has been given a more specific diagnosis, the family said.
In a statement on social media, his family said it was a
relief to finally have a clear diagnosis.”
They expressed
deepest gratitude for the incredible outpouring of love…
Today there are no treatments for the disease, a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead.”
The new statement says,
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.”
-Emma, Demi, Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel & Evelyn
The statement was signed by his wife Emma Heming, with whom he has two daughters, and his former wife Demi Moore and their three daughters.
The family said Willis would give up acting last year as his aphasia was affecting his cognitive abilities.
Bruce Willis’ Family ‘Closer Than Ever’ amid FTD Diagnosis: They’re Making ‘Positive Memories’ (Source) https://t.co/aJpl1k1PmD
— People (@people) February 17, 2023
According to Forbes,
- The disease accounts for less than 20% of all dementia cases and mainly affects people between the ages of 45 and 64, according to Alzheimer’s Research UK.
- The average life expectancy once symptoms start is seven to 13 years, and it’s the most common form of dementia in people 60 years and older, the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration said in a statement.
- Genetics are the only known risk factor, as 10% to 30% of cases are inherited, the National Institute on Aging reports.
Willis became a household name in the 80s and 90s after starring in blockbuster films like Die Hard, The Sixth Sense, Armageddon and Pulp Fiction. He was nominated for five Golden Globes – winning one for Moonlighting – and he has two Emmys.
Friends and fans, like Maria Schriver, are expressing their love for Willis on social media.
My heart goes out to Bruce Willis and his family, & also my gratitude for shining a much needed light on this disease. When people step forward it helps all of us. When people get a diagnosis it’s extremely difficult, but also for most a relief to get a diagnosis. pic.twitter.com/macAukMe7U
— Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) February 16, 2023
Almost a year after revealing Bruce Willis’ aphasia diagnosis which forced him to retire, his family say his condition has progressed and he has been diagnosed with a form of dementia.
— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) February 17, 2023
Now, they are asking for respect as they try to help Willis “live as full a life as possible.” pic.twitter.com/CQ0SXhcQoS
(via BBC)
