In a statement shared on social media on Thursday, Bruce Willis’ family, including his wife Emma Hemming Willis, ex-wife Demi Moore and daughters- announced that the former actor is suffering from frontotemporal dementia.
The statement shared that although there is no treatment for the dementia, the family hoped that in spreading awareness about Willi’s condition will encourage research on the neurodegenerative disease.
“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. Today there are no treatments for the disease, a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead. 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.”
The actor’s family had disclosed in 2022 that he was suffering from aphasia, which was affecting his cognitive abilities and thus he would be retiring from acting.
“Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately. 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.”
Frontotemporal dementia primarily affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, causing atrophy in these regions, leading to either personality changes or loss of communication. The disease can be inherited but can occur independent of genetic inheritance too. It is progressive with no known cure.
