Beloved actor Bruce Willis and his family have received more painful news regarding his health. He has been diagnosed with a form of dementia less than a year after he was initially diagnosed with aphasia, a communication disorder.
On Thursday, members of Willis’ inner circle issued a statement to announce that he has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, “the most common form of dementia” for those under 60. Willis is 67.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, FTD is a “group disorder that causes progressive nerve cell loss in the brain’s frontal lobes (the areas behind your forehead) or its temporal lobes (the regions behind your ears).”
FTD was described as a “debilitating disease” by the family. It is possible that it will continue to progress. Willis’s clear diagnosis has been a blessing despite the many difficulties they have had and will face in the future. FTD diagnosis can take up to a decade.
The family stated that they wanted to increase awareness of FTD to attract funding and interest. “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 statement said.
His family expressed gratitude for the love and support shown to him by fans across the globe. His Hollywood career began 45 years ago.
“Bruce has always found joy in life – and has helped everyone he knows to do the same. 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. Your continued compassion, understanding, and respect will enable us to help Bruce live as full a life as possible,” the family said.
Emma Heming Willis was his ex-wife. The statement was signed by his five daughters, Evelyn, Scout Tallulah, and Rumer.
Willis is most well-known for his blockbuster action films, “Die Hard”, and “Armageddon”. Also his part in L.A. Detective David Addison’s character in “Moonlighting”, and winning the 1987 Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Series, Comedy or Musical.
