Since his diagnosis with aphasia, a condition that affects communication abilities, actor Bruce Willis has kept a low profile. His family has been transparent about his specific diagnosis, frontotemporal dementia, and has kept fans updated.
“Our family wanted to start by expressing our deepest gratitude for the incredible outpouring of love, support, and wonderful stories we have all received since sharing Bruce’s original diagnosis,” his daughter Rumer Willis posted on social media.
“In the spirit of that, we wanted to give you an update about our beloved husband, father, and friend now that we have a deeper understanding of what he is experiencing.
“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).”
As Bruce’s cognitive abilities continue to decline, his family has shared that doctors are doing everything possible to ease his condition. Emma Heming, Willis’ wife, is working closely with a dementia specialist to ensure he receives the best care possible.
“My grief can be paralyzing, but I’m learning how to live alongside it. As my step-daughter [Scout Willis] told me, grief is the deepest and purest form of love. I hope you find some comfort in that too,” she said in 2022.
Recently, Emma discovered a new Instagram feature that lets you revisit past photos and videos. She shared a memory of Willis praising her just a year ago.
In the caption, Heming wrote: “What’s this new Memory thingy on IG!? Omg, my biggest fan. I’m in love with him.” In the video, Willis can be heard expressing his admiration for his wife’s skincare brand, Cocobaba.
Before the family revealed Willis’ diagnosis, some of his co-workers had noticed he was having trouble remembering his lines. “It was less of an annoyance and more like: ‘How do we not make Bruce look bad?’ Someone would give him a line, and he didn’t understand what it meant. He was just being puppeted,” a crew member commented, referring to the actor’s recent film, White Elephant.