Bruce Willis has been diagnosed with dementia; his family revealed in a shocking statement.
The 67-year-old Hollywood actor last year retired from acting after it was revealed he was battling a brain disorder known as aphasia which affects language comprehension and expression and makes a person unable to communicate with other people.
Less than a year after the shocking diagnosis, the Die Hard star’s family revealed that aphasia has progressed into frontotemporal dementia, a type of dementia that affects the sufferer’s language and behavior.
“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,” Bruce’s family – including wife Emma Heming, ex-wife Demi Moore, and five daughters – said in a joint statement shared via The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration site.
“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.”
The unsettling statement continued: “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.”
The family went on to brand FTD as a “cruel disease” and revealed that it can affect anyone. They also explained that there are no existing treatments for the illness while expressing hopes that Bruce’s condition will help raise awareness about FTD.
“Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately,” the family added.
“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.”
Our thoughts are with Bruce and his family during this challenging time.