Bruce Willis has been flooded with love and tributes from fans after his dementia diagnosis.
Willis, the beloved actor known for his roles in Die Hard and The Sixth Sense, has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
FTD affects the lobes of the brain behind the forehead, leading to symptoms such as personality changes, obsessive behavior, and speaking difficulties.
Willis’ family, including his wife Emma Heming, ex-wife Demi Moore, and five daughters, posted a statement on The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration’s website to update fans and raise awareness about the disease.
The statement begins with a message of gratitude for the support and love they have received since sharing Willis’ original diagnosis of aphasia in spring 2022.
The family then explains that Willis’ condition has progressed, and they now have a more specific diagnosis of FTD. They express their sadness over the challenges of communication that come with the disease, but they also feel relieved to have a clear diagnosis.
The family hopes that the media attention surrounding Willis’ illness will raise awareness of FTD and the need for more research.
The statement goes on to describe FTD as a cruel disease that can strike anyone, and it is the most common form of dementia for people under 60.
The family encourages those who are facing FTD to seek out the wealth of information and support available through The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (theaftd.org).
Willis’ family emphasizes that the 67-year-old always believed in using his voice to help others and raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately.
They believe that, if Willis could today, he would want to bring global attention and connectedness with those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease and how it impacts individuals and families. The family reminds people that theirs is just one family with a loved one who suffers from FTD and that others are facing similar challenges.
The family concludes the statement by urging those who have been fortunate enough to not have any personal experience with FTD to take the time to learn about it and support The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration’s mission in whatever way they can.
The news of Willis’ diagnosis comes nearly a year after the actor retired from acting due to his original diagnosis of aphasia. The family’s statement serves as a reminder of the importance of raising awareness about diseases like FTD and the need for more research to find a cure.
