Family reveals new details about famous star's dementia journey
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A family has shared a deeply personal update about a loved one’s ongoing battle with dementia, revealing the difficult decision to move them into a care home.
For many who grew up watching this familiar face in films and television, the news serves as a poignant reminder of how life can shift in unexpected ways—even for those once seen at their strongest.
Emma Heming, 49, opened up about her family's emotional journey since Bruce’s diagnosis, speaking candidly during the recent special, Emma and Bruce Willis: The Unexpected Journey – A Diane Sawyer Special.
She explained that moving Bruce, now 70, into a separate home was a 'hard decision,' but one made with their daughters, Mabel (13) and Evelyn (11), in mind.
'Bruce would want that for our daughters,' Emma said, emphasising that he would want them to have a home environment tailored to their needs, not his.
The girls still see their dad 'a lot,' with regular breakfast and dinner visits at his nearby residence. It’s a delicate balance—ensuring the children’s lives remain as normal as possible while also providing Bruce with the specialised care he now needs.
Bruce’s health struggles first became public in 2022, when he retired from acting after being diagnosed with aphasia—a condition that affects speech and the ability to understand language.
Not long after, his family revealed he had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a progressive neurological disorder that impacts behaviour, language, and movement.
Emma’s forthcoming memoir, The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope and Yourself on the Caregiving Path, promises to shed more light on the realities of caring for a loved one with dementia.
She describes how the family has had to find 'different ways' to communicate with Bruce as his language skills decline.
'Bruce is still very mobile. Bruce is in really great health overall, it’s just his brain that is failing him,' she shared, offering a rare and honest glimpse into their daily life.
Despite the challenges, Emma says there are still moments when Bruce’s old self shines through—a hearty laugh, a twinkle in his eye, or his trademark smirk.
'Sometimes you’ll see that twinkle in his eye or that smirk and, you know, I just get, like, transported,' she said, her voice breaking with emotion.
These fleeting glimpses are bittersweet, a reminder of the man she married and the father her children adore.
Emma’s story is one that will resonate with many Australians, especially those in our community who have cared for loved ones with dementia or other chronic illnesses.
The decision to move a partner or parent into a care home is never easy, but sometimes it’s the best way to ensure everyone’s needs are met—especially when young children are involved.
It’s also a reminder of the importance of support, both for those living with dementia and for their families. Emma’s openness about her struggles and the support she’s received may help others feel less alone on their own caregiving journeys.
For those unfamiliar, frontotemporal dementia is less common than Alzheimer’s but can be just as devastating.
It typically affects people at a younger age and is characterised by personality, behaviour, and language changes.
Unlike Alzheimer’s, memory loss isn’t always the first symptom. Instead, loved ones may notice mood swings, speech difficulty, or movement problems.
There’s currently no cure, but early diagnosis and the proper support can make a significant difference in quality of life—for both the person with dementia and their family.
Bruce and Emma’s love story began in 2007, leading to marriage in 2009 and a vow renewal a decade later.
Through all the ups and downs, Emma has remained steadfast by Bruce’s side, now taking on the role of advocate and caregiver.
Her memoir, due out in September, is sure to be a source of comfort and inspiration for many.
Have you or someone you know faced similar decisions about care for a loved one? How did you navigate the emotional and practical challenges? We’d love to hear your stories, tips, or words of encouragement in the comments below.
Read more: Hollywood star reveals new struggle after health signs emerge
For many who grew up watching this familiar face in films and television, the news serves as a poignant reminder of how life can shift in unexpected ways—even for those once seen at their strongest.
Emma Heming, 49, opened up about her family's emotional journey since Bruce’s diagnosis, speaking candidly during the recent special, Emma and Bruce Willis: The Unexpected Journey – A Diane Sawyer Special.
She explained that moving Bruce, now 70, into a separate home was a 'hard decision,' but one made with their daughters, Mabel (13) and Evelyn (11), in mind.
Emma Heming says she has moved her husband into a care home as he continues to struggle with dementia. Credit: @brucewillisbw / Instagram
'Bruce would want that for our daughters,' Emma said, emphasising that he would want them to have a home environment tailored to their needs, not his.
The girls still see their dad 'a lot,' with regular breakfast and dinner visits at his nearby residence. It’s a delicate balance—ensuring the children’s lives remain as normal as possible while also providing Bruce with the specialised care he now needs.
Bruce’s health struggles first became public in 2022, when he retired from acting after being diagnosed with aphasia—a condition that affects speech and the ability to understand language.
Not long after, his family revealed he had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a progressive neurological disorder that impacts behaviour, language, and movement.
Emma’s forthcoming memoir, The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope and Yourself on the Caregiving Path, promises to shed more light on the realities of caring for a loved one with dementia.
She describes how the family has had to find 'different ways' to communicate with Bruce as his language skills decline.
'Bruce is still very mobile. Bruce is in really great health overall, it’s just his brain that is failing him,' she shared, offering a rare and honest glimpse into their daily life.
Despite the challenges, Emma says there are still moments when Bruce’s old self shines through—a hearty laugh, a twinkle in his eye, or his trademark smirk.
These fleeting glimpses are bittersweet, a reminder of the man she married and the father her children adore.
Emma’s story is one that will resonate with many Australians, especially those in our community who have cared for loved ones with dementia or other chronic illnesses.
The decision to move a partner or parent into a care home is never easy, but sometimes it’s the best way to ensure everyone’s needs are met—especially when young children are involved.
It’s also a reminder of the importance of support, both for those living with dementia and for their families. Emma’s openness about her struggles and the support she’s received may help others feel less alone on their own caregiving journeys.
It typically affects people at a younger age and is characterised by personality, behaviour, and language changes.
Unlike Alzheimer’s, memory loss isn’t always the first symptom. Instead, loved ones may notice mood swings, speech difficulty, or movement problems.
There’s currently no cure, but early diagnosis and the proper support can make a significant difference in quality of life—for both the person with dementia and their family.
Bruce and Emma’s love story began in 2007, leading to marriage in 2009 and a vow renewal a decade later.
Her memoir, due out in September, is sure to be a source of comfort and inspiration for many.
Read more: Hollywood star reveals new struggle after health signs emerge
