Bruce Willis Frontotemporal Dementia Diagnosis Revealed by Family

Bruce Willis’ family has announced he’s been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.

The Hollywood star, best known for roles in the likes of Die Hard, The Sixth Sense, and Pulp Fiction, stepped away from acting after it was announced last year that he’d been diagnosed with aphasia, a language disorder that affects a person’s cognitive skills.

Bruce’s wife Emma Heming Willis and ex-wife Demi Moore shared the same post on their social media pages that since his aphasia diagnosis in spring 2022, his condition has progressed and he has therefore been re-diagnosed.

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“Bruce’s condition has progressed and we now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia (known as FTD),” their caption reads. “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 condition affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. The NHS notes that symptoms of FTD can include personality and behavior changes, difficulties with language including speech, and in later stages, difficulties with memory and some thought processes.

Bruce’s family, including Moore and their three daughters Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah, also shared a joint statement on theaftd.org, written with Emma and their two daughters Evelyn and Mabel.

“Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately,” it reads.

“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.”

It continued: “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. 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.”