Bruce Willis’ family says they are relieved to finally have a clear diagnosis. In a statement on social media, they said the American actor has frontotemporal dementia. FTD is an umbrella term for disorders affecting the brain that controls personality, behavior and language.
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 announcement comes nearly one year after Bruce Willis stepped away from film-making after being diagnosed with aphasia. The actor’s family says the actor has growing cognitive difficulties as his ‘condition has progressed’.
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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
The message is on Instagram and signed by the actor’s wife Emma Heming Willis, his ex-wife Demi Moore and his kids Rumer (34), Scout (31), Tallulah (29), Mabel (10) and Evelyn (8).
Willis’ family last said his aphasia affects his cognitive abilities. The condition also causes the loss of ability to understand or express speech. Thursday’s statement says communication challenges are just one symptom of FTD.
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What is FTD
The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration explains that the progression of FTD varies by individual. But the Association says it brings an ‘inevitable decline in functioning’. It adds that the length of progression varies from 2 to over 20 years.
As the disease progresses, the person affected may experience difficulty in planning or organizing activities, inappropriate behavior in social or work settings. They may experience trouble communicating with others.
It represents a group of brain disorders caused by degeneration of the frontal and/or temporal lobes of the brain
There are currently no treatments that cure or slow FTD, according to the Association. It also says there is no way to prevent the onset of the dementia. The average life expectancy is 7 to 13 years following the onset of symptoms.
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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
The 67-year-old actor has starred in beloved hits like Die Hard, Death Becomes Her, Red and The Sixth Sense. His 40-year career included primarily direct-to-video thrillers would scored more than $5bn at the worldwide box office. He was nominated for five Golden Globes – winning one for Moonlighting. He was also nominated for three Emmys – winning two.
