Living with dementia is often a silent battle.

As they go through a gradual battle with the disease, early warning signs are easily mistaken for less serious health issues.

This was the case of a Hollywood star's diagnosis—which became a poignant reminder of the importance of recognising telltale signs of the life-altering condition.


Die Hard star Bruce Willis has been battling dementia for quite a while, and his wife, Emma Heming Willis, recently opened up about it in a heartfelt interview.

Ms Willis talked about the subtle onset of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), which she observed early on.

'Bruce has always had a stutter, but he has been good at covering it up,' Ms Willis shared.


She further explained the progression of the disease towards her husband.

'For Bruce, it started in his temporal lobes and then has spread to the frontal part of his brain.'

'It attacks and destroys a person's ability to walk, think, make decisions,' she added.


Bruce was diagnosed with FTD two years ago after a preliminary diagnosis of aphasia, which is often a symptom of an underlying neurological condition.

FTD's nature made it challenging for Bruce Willis' family to pinpoint when it started affecting him.

'Never in a million years would I think it would be a form of dementia for someone so young,' she lamented.

'I say that FTD whispers, it doesn't shout,' Ms Willis described.

Ms Willis' revelation was a stark reminder that dementia could affect anyone—even those considered 'too young' for such a diagnosis.


It's crucial to recognise changes that could be more than just age-related quirks or stress.

Here are some early warning signs of dementia that should not be ignored:

• Difficulty in thinking of words or following conversations.
• Changes in mood, personality, or behaviour without any apparent cause.
• Memory loss, such as forgetting important dates or events.
• Challenges in planning or solving problems—like difficulty following a recipe or managing bills.
• Confusion with time and place.
• Trouble understanding visual images.
• Problems with speaking or writing coherently.
• Misplacing things and inability to retrace steps to find them.
• Decreased or poor sense of judgement.
• Withdrawal from work or social activities.

If you or someone you know has any of these symptoms, please consult a healthcare professional for an evaluation.
Have you or a loved one faced a similar situation? How did you navigate the challenges of recognising and addressing the early signs of dementia? Share your stories and thoughts with us in the comments section.