Bruce Willis: The Legacy of a Phenomenological Dementia and its Emplications for Frontotemporal Demenace
In a statement shared Thursday, the 67-year-old star’s family stated that while the news “is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis.”
“Today there are no treatments for the disease, a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead. We hope that any media attention can be focused on shining a light on this disease, which needs far more awareness and research, as Bruce’s condition advances.
The family of the actor disclosed his diagnosis of aphasia in 2022, two years after he was diagnosed. They said at the time that he was going to be taking a break from acting because of a medical condition that was impacting his cognitive abilities.
Frontotemporal dementia is a group of brain disorders that affect the temporal and frontal parts of the brain. These areas of the brain are generally 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 of the thriller film series “Detective Knight.” Next month, he has an action movie called “Assassin” up for release.
A Memorino: How to Get Your Loved One Out of the World Safely? A Prayer for Emma Heming Willis
“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,” the statement added. We have been moved by all of the love you have shown us for our dear husband, father, and friend. Your continued compassion, understanding, and respect will enable us to help Bruce live as full a life as possible.”
Bruce Willis’ wife, Emma Heming Willis, has called on paparazzi to keep their distance and stop yelling at the “Die Hard” star when they see him in public.
Heming Willis made an emotional plea in a video shared on her Instagram page over the weekend, saying “there’s still a lot of education that needs to be put forth” about people living with dementia.
The 44-year-old model said that it was difficult to get someone out into the world, and to navigate them safely, remembering a recent incident when photographers tried to speak to the ailing actor.
She added, “For the video people, please don’t be yelling at my husband asking him how he’s doing or whatever — the ‘woohoo’-ing and the ‘yippee ki-yays’… just don’t do it. OK? Give him the space he needs. Allow our family or whoever is with us to be able to get him from one point to another safely.
Heming Willis said in the caption that he wanted to send a message to other caregivers or dementia care specialists. Any tips or advice on how to get your loved ones out in the world safely? Please share below.”
She asked after his family said he had been diagnosed with a form of dementia called frontotemporal dementia.