Over a year after retiring from acting due to aphasia that impaired his cognitive abilities, Bruce Willis has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, according to his family.
A statement from his family was published on the website of The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration. “Since we announced Bruce’s diagnosis of aphasia in spring 2022, Bruce’s condition has progressed and we now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia (known as FTD),” the statement read.
“Unfortunately, challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease Bruce faces. While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis, ” the statement added.
There are no existing treatments for the ailment, according to the statement, to which the family also attached a picture of a beaming Willis enjoying the beach. The family expressed their hope that Willis’ diagnosis at the age of 67 would increase awareness of the fight against FTD.
“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.
Progressive nerve cell loss in either the frontal or temporal lobes of the brain results in frontotemporal degeneration.
According to Willis’ family, if he were still able to, the retired actor would promote understanding of dementia and how to assist those also affected by it.
Journalist Maria Shriver said she had “gratitude for shining a much needed light on this disease,” and she added that “when people step forward it helps all of us.”
Rumer Willis, the actor’s oldest daughter, also made the revelation on Instagram and received encouragement from other people in the entertainment business.
“Love you so much my friend. Sending hugs to you and that beautiful family of yours. Your pops is such a damn legend,” wrote Aaron Paul, actor who starred in “Breaking Bad”.
In the 1980s comedy-drama TV series “Moonlighting,” Willis first gained fame. Throughout the course of his four-decade career, he has acted in nearly 100 movies. He is most known for his appearances in “Pulp Fiction” and “The Sixth Sense,” for which he won a Golden Globe Award and two Emmys.
Willis is best recognised, though, for his role as the tough-as-nails New York cop who hunted down criminals in the five “Die Hard” films that were produced from 1988 to 2013.
