Bruce Willis family has announced that the actor has a form of dementia called frontotemporal dementia, or FTD for short.
In a statement released Thursday, the 67-year-old star’s family said that while the news was painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis.
There is currently no cure for this disease, a reality we hope will change in the coming years. As Bruce’s condition progresses, we hope that media attention can focus on highlighting this disease, which requires more awareness and research, the statement said.
The Willis family – including wife Emma Heming Willis, ex-wife Demi Moore and daughter – first revealed the aphasia diagnosis in 2022. At the time, they said Willis had an illness that affects his cognitive abilities and would be taking a break from acting.
Bruce has always believed in using his voice on the world to help others and raise awareness of important issues both publicly and privately, his family said in a new statement. We know in our hearts that if he could today, he would want to respond by bringing global attention and connection to those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease and how it affects so many people and their families.
According to the Mayo Clinic, frontotemporal dementia is “an umbrella term for a group of brain disorders that primarily affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. This area of the brain is usually associated with personality, behavior, and language.
Willis’ most recent acting credit is Detective Knight: Independence, which was released in January 2023 and is the third installment in the Detective Knight Thriller series. He also has an action movie Assassin coming out next month.
Willis and Hemming Willis share two daughters, Mabel and Evelyn. He is the father of daughters Rumer, Scout and Tallulah with Moore.
Rumer Willis is currently expecting her first child with boyfriend Derek Richard Thomas.
Bruce has always found joy in life – and helps everyone he knows do the same. It meant so much to the world to see the sense of care that resonated with him and all of us,” the statement added. “We are so touched by the love you are sharing for our dear husbands, fathers and friends during this difficult time. Your continued compassion, understanding and respect will allow us to help Bruce live life to the fullest.