by Bruce Willisknown best for his roles in the films Die hard, Pulp Fiction, The sixth Sense, The fifth element, and so much more, have had another turn for the worse in terms of health. Last year, we reported that Willis retired from acting after learning he had been diagnosed with aphasia, a language disorder caused by brain damage that affects a person’s ability to communicate.
Now his family has released a statement that Willis has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), which is a condition or group of disorders caused by the progressive loss of nerve cells in the frontal or temporal lobes of the brain.
You can read their words below:
As a family, we wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of you for the outpouring of love and compassion for Bruce over the past ten months,” the Willis family wrote. “Your generosity of spirit has been overwhelming and we are immensely grateful for it. Out of your kindness, and because we know you love Bruce as much as we do, we wanted to give you an update.
Since announcing Bruce’s diagnosis of aphasia in the spring of 2022, Bruce’s condition has evolved and we now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia (known as FTD). Unfortunately, challenges with communication are only one symptom of the illness Bruce is facing. Although this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis.
FTD is a horrible disease that many of us have never heard of and can affect anyone. For people under the age of 60, FTD is the most common form of dementia, and because it can take years to be diagnosed, FTD is probably much more widespread than we know. Today there are no treatments for the disease, a reality that we hope can change in the coming years. As Bruce’s condition progresses, we hope that all media attention can be focused on shedding light on this disease that needs far more awareness and research.
(Bruce) always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness of 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 connection to those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease and how it affects so many individuals and their families.
Bruce has always found joy in life – and has helped everyone he knows to do the same. It has meant the world to see this sense of caring echo back to him and all of us. We have been so touched by the love you all have 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.
This is such sad news. Anyone who has had to deal with dementia in the family knows how devastating it is for a person and their loved ones. Our hearts go out to them as they pass on.
