Bruce Willis’ family shares his shocking diagnosis
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Hollywood was shocked last year when legendary actor Bruce Willis announced that he was diagnosed with Aphasia, a language disorder that’s caused by damage in a specific area of the brain that controls language expression and comprehension. This caused him to take a step back from acting.
However, in a statement shared on social media last Thursday, the Willis family revealed that the beloved actor has since received a more specific diagnosis.
On February 16th it was announced that acting veteran Bruce Willis is suffering from a form of dementia called frontotemporal dementia (FTD for short).
Published through the website of the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, the Willis family stated that while the news has been ‘painful’, they are relieved to ‘finally have a clear diagnosis’.
The family also shared that FTD is a ‘cruel disease’ that many people might have never heard of, and it can affect anyone.
‘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.’
There are no known treatments for the disease, but the family hopes that this changes ‘in the years ahead’.
A drug called lecanemab received conditional approval from the FDA early this year. It was reported that the drug was previously found to reduce markers of amyloid beta, a protein naturally found in the body that causes Alzheimer’s disease. While it’s a ground-breaking discovery in the field of medical science, there’s still some controversy surrounding this drug. More details can be read here.
The Willis family first disclosed his diagnosis of Aphasia in May 2022 and shared that due to the actor’s problems with language and memory, he would retire from acting for good.
‘This is a really challenging time for our family and we are so appreciative of your continued love, compassion and support,’ the family shared at the time.
They reassured fans that the family is going through the ordeal as a ‘strong family unit’ and stated that they wanted fans to know about Bruce’s condition because they are aware of how loved and adored he is.
‘As Bruce always says, “Live it up” and together we plan to do just that.’
The family also called for more awareness and understanding of frontotemporal dementia. They said: ‘As Bruce’s condition advances, we hope that any media attention can be focused on shining a light on this disease that needs far more awareness and research.’
‘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 statement continued.
Frontotemporal dementia is an ‘umbrella term for a group of brain disorders that primarily affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain’. These are the areas that are generally associated with personality, behaviour and language.
The progression of the symptoms varies per individual, but the disease does bring an inevitable decline in cognitive abilities. The length of progression varies from 2 years to over 20 years. Aside from having difficulties in language and memory, the individual affected may behave inappropriately in public settings and may have trouble relating to loved ones.
According to one study, the average life expectancy after the start of symptoms is 7 to 13 years.
Bruce’s most recent acting credit is the movie Detective Knight: Independence, which was released in January 2023. It’s also the third instalment of the thriller film series, Detective Knight. His action movie Assassin is slated for release next month.
Since coming forward with the health news, the family have shared several photos of Bruce enjoying life away from Hollywood on social media. He’s set to become a first-time grandfather this year as his daughter, Rumer, is pregnant with her first child.
Fans all over the world expressed their shock over the news of his diagnosis. In a recent post on the social media forum Reddit, thousands of fans shared their personal experiences with FTD, as well as their well wishes for Bruce and his family.
‘Absolutely tragic. What a miserable disease. Wishing him and his family the best,’ one stated. While another commented: ‘He’s only 67 too. Seriously tragic.’
Someone else wrote: ‘My grandfather had dementia, and the last few years of his life were brutal for my mom and her sisters. I'm hoping they're able to manage it well and the rest of his time is filled with peace.’
‘Poor guy, wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. All the best to him and his family, all things considered,’ another said.
‘His contributions to the art of cinema are the stuff of legend. Die Hard is my favourite movie. Thanks for everything, Bruce.’
Our thoughts are with Bruce Willis, his family, and all those with FTD during this difficult time. Do you have first-hand experience with this illness? Please feel free to share your experiences or advice in the comments below.
However, in a statement shared on social media last Thursday, the Willis family revealed that the beloved actor has since received a more specific diagnosis.
On February 16th it was announced that acting veteran Bruce Willis is suffering from a form of dementia called frontotemporal dementia (FTD for short).
Published through the website of the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, the Willis family stated that while the news has been ‘painful’, they are relieved to ‘finally have a clear diagnosis’.
The actor’s condition has progressed into a diagnosis of dementia. Credit: Shutterstock
The family also shared that FTD is a ‘cruel disease’ that many people might have never heard of, and it can affect anyone.
‘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.’
There are no known treatments for the disease, but the family hopes that this changes ‘in the years ahead’.
A drug called lecanemab received conditional approval from the FDA early this year. It was reported that the drug was previously found to reduce markers of amyloid beta, a protein naturally found in the body that causes Alzheimer’s disease. While it’s a ground-breaking discovery in the field of medical science, there’s still some controversy surrounding this drug. More details can be read here.
The difficult news was addressed in a statement released on social media. Credit: Shutterstock
The Willis family first disclosed his diagnosis of Aphasia in May 2022 and shared that due to the actor’s problems with language and memory, he would retire from acting for good.
‘This is a really challenging time for our family and we are so appreciative of your continued love, compassion and support,’ the family shared at the time.
They reassured fans that the family is going through the ordeal as a ‘strong family unit’ and stated that they wanted fans to know about Bruce’s condition because they are aware of how loved and adored he is.
‘As Bruce always says, “Live it up” and together we plan to do just that.’
The family also called for more awareness and understanding of frontotemporal dementia. They said: ‘As Bruce’s condition advances, we hope that any media attention can be focused on shining a light on this disease that needs far more awareness and research.’
‘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 statement continued.
Frontotemporal dementia is an ‘umbrella term for a group of brain disorders that primarily affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain’. These are the areas that are generally associated with personality, behaviour and language.
FTD affects the part of the brain that controls language expression and comprehension. Image credit: The Seniors Discount Club
The progression of the symptoms varies per individual, but the disease does bring an inevitable decline in cognitive abilities. The length of progression varies from 2 years to over 20 years. Aside from having difficulties in language and memory, the individual affected may behave inappropriately in public settings and may have trouble relating to loved ones.
According to one study, the average life expectancy after the start of symptoms is 7 to 13 years.
Bruce’s most recent acting credit is the movie Detective Knight: Independence, which was released in January 2023. It’s also the third instalment of the thriller film series, Detective Knight. His action movie Assassin is slated for release next month.
Since coming forward with the health news, the family have shared several photos of Bruce enjoying life away from Hollywood on social media. He’s set to become a first-time grandfather this year as his daughter, Rumer, is pregnant with her first child.
Fans all over the world expressed their shock over the news of his diagnosis. In a recent post on the social media forum Reddit, thousands of fans shared their personal experiences with FTD, as well as their well wishes for Bruce and his family.
‘Absolutely tragic. What a miserable disease. Wishing him and his family the best,’ one stated. While another commented: ‘He’s only 67 too. Seriously tragic.’
Someone else wrote: ‘My grandfather had dementia, and the last few years of his life were brutal for my mom and her sisters. I'm hoping they're able to manage it well and the rest of his time is filled with peace.’
‘Poor guy, wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. All the best to him and his family, all things considered,’ another said.
‘His contributions to the art of cinema are the stuff of legend. Die Hard is my favourite movie. Thanks for everything, Bruce.’
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