Bruce Willis diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia following aphasia battle, family says
Actor Bruce Willis, 67, was diagnosed with aphasia last year, a brain disorder which affects communication
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Bruce Willis' condition "has progressed" and the "Die Hard" actor has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, according to his family. The news comes after they previously revealed his aphasia diagnosis in 2022.
The 67-year-old actor's ex-wife, Demi Moore, revealed his new health diagnosis on Instagram with a heartfelt post.
"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," Moore wrote. "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."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}She added, "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).
Bruce Willis is battling dementia after his aphasia diagnosis progressed. (Ethan Miller)
"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."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A LOOK AT BRUCE WILLIS' UPCOMING ACTING ROLE IN ‘PARADISE CITY,’ HIS STORIED HOLLYWOOD CAREER
FTD is "the result of damage to neurons in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain," according to the National Institute on Aging. "Many possible symptoms can result, including unusual behaviors, emotional problems, trouble communicating, difficulty with work, or difficulty with walking."
Willis married Emma Heming at their home in Turks and Caicos in March 2009, and the couple has two daughters, Mabel and Evelyn.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The actor was previously married to Moore for 12 years, and the friendly exes have three daughters together: Rumer, Scout and Tallulah.
The family shared more about the "cruel disease" in a statement posted on the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD) website.
"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," the release said.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}BRUCE WILLIS SHARES SWEET EMBRACE WITH DAUGHTER TALLULAH AND MAKES FUNNY FACES IN PLAYFUL SNAPS
"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 Willis family encouraged others facing FTD to "seek out the wealth of information and support available through AFTD" and encouraged others to continue advocating for research and awareness.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Bruce Willis and ex-wife Demi Moore have remained a united front for their family more than 20 years after divorce. Daughters Rumer, Scout and Tallulah joined him and wife Emma Heming at Moore's book launch in 2019. (Stefanie Keenan)
"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," the statement said.
"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."
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Willis' statement was signed by his entire family, including wife Emma, ex-wife Moore and daughters Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel and Evelyn.
Bruce Willis and Emma Heming will soon celebrate their 14th wedding anniversary. (Theo Wargo)
In March, the family announced Willis would be retiring from acting after receiving an aphasia diagnosis. The disorder affects communication, including the ability to understand verbal cues and written words.
According to the National Aphasia Association, the disorder affects 2 million Americans, with nearly 180,000 diagnosed with the disorder annually.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Aphasia is always due to injury to the brain, and is most common from a stroke, particularly in older individuals. About 25%-40% of stroke survivors develop aphasia.
Willis is set to become a grandfather soon. In December, his oldest daughter, Rumer, announced she's pregnant with her first child.