As the holiday season approaches, Bruce Willis’s family has shared a deeply moving update regarding his health, revealing a more specific diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia (FTD). This news follows their initial announcement in spring 2022 about Bruce’s aphasia diagnosis and marks a progression in his condition. In a heartfelt message, the family expresses their profound gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from fans worldwide over the past ten months.
Initially diagnosed with aphasia, a condition affecting communication abilities, Bruce Willis has now been diagnosed with FTD. The family shared that the challenges Bruce faces extend beyond communication difficulties, which is a common symptom of FTD. While acknowledging the pain of this revelation, they also expressed relief in finally having a clearer understanding of the condition Bruce is battling.
Frontotemporal dementia is described by the family as a cruel and lesser-known disease that can affect anyone, particularly individuals under 60, where it is the most prevalent form of dementia. The family emphasizes that diagnosis can often take years, suggesting FTD may be more widespread than current data indicates. Currently, there are no effective treatments for FTD, a stark reality the family hopes will change with increased awareness and research. They express a wish that media attention surrounding Bruce’s condition will serve to spotlight the urgent need for greater understanding and research into this debilitating disease.
Bruce Willis has always been known for using his platform to help others and bring attention to important causes. His family believes that if Bruce could, he would want to use his current situation to connect with others facing FTD and similar challenges, highlighting the widespread impact of this disease on individuals and families.
The Willis family acknowledges that their experience is just one among many families grappling with FTD. They encourage others affected by this condition to seek information and support from organizations like the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD) (@theaftd, theaftd.org). For those unfamiliar with FTD, the family urges them to learn more about the disease and support AFTD’s mission in any way possible.
Throughout his life, Bruce Willis has always found joy and inspired others to do the same. His family has been deeply touched by the outpouring of care and affection shown to him. They convey their sincere appreciation for the continued compassion, understanding, and respect, which will enable them to support Bruce in living as full and meaningful a life as possible amidst his ongoing health journey this Christmas season and beyond.
-Emma, Demi, Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel, and Evelyn
