Bruce Willis diagnosed with ‘cruel’ form of dementia
Star’s family pleads for understanding and shares hope for treatments.
Bruce Willis, star of blockbuster movies such as Die Hard, Pulp Fiction, The Fifth Element, and The Sixth Sense, has been diagnosed with a “cruel” form of dementia at the age of 67.
It was revealed last year that Willis was suffering aphasia, a language disorder that makes it difficult for a person to communicate.
The star’s family issued a statement late last week saying that his condition “has progressed and we now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia (known as FTD)”.
The statement is signed by his wife Emma Heming, former wife Demi Moore, and his five daughters, Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel and Evelyn.
It says, “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.
“FTD is a cruel disease that many of us have never heard of and can strike anyone. 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."
The Association of Frontotemporal Deterioration says symptoms of the condition include “uncharacteristic personality changes, apathy, and unexplained struggles with decision-making, speaking or language comprehension”.
According to
Fixed mood and behaviour, appearing selfish and unable to adapt to new situations .
Loss of empathy, emotional warmth and emotional responses towards others.
Apathy or lack of motivation, abandoning hobbies or avoiding social contact.
Loss of normal inhibitions, talking to strangers or exhibiting embarrassing behaviour.
Difficulty in reasoning, judgement and planning.
Being easily distracted or impulsive.
Changes in eating patterns, such as craving sweet foods, overeating, or unusual food preferences.
Decline in self-care and personal hygiene.
Lack of insight.
Repetitive motor (physical) behaviours such as collecting, counting and tapping.
Breaking Bad star Aaron Paul replied to Rumer Willis’s Instagram post about her father's condition, saying: “Sending hugs to you and that beautiful family of yours. Your pops is such a damn legend.”
CNN anchor Jake Tapper sent his prayers, saying, “FTD is a profoundly cruel disease, my beloved father-in-law Tom suffered from it for years.”
Journalist Maria Shriver, who was married to Willis’s friend and onetime business partner Arnold Schwarzenegger, tweeted her appreciation of Willis and his family “for shining a much-needed light on this disease”.
“When people step forward it helps all of us. When people get a diagnosis it’s extremely difficult, but also for most a relief to get a diagnosis.”
For their part, the family has urged understanding for those with dementia.
Their statement says, “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.”
The statement concludes: “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.”
For further reading: Willis Family Statement; Dementia Australia
Photograph: Rumer Willis
