In a recent interview on the Today show, Emma Willis, the wife of actor Bruce Willis, bravely shared an update on his condition after being diagnosed with dementia.
As many know, Dementia is a heartbreaking condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and Emma’s candidness shed light on the difficulties faced by caregivers and other families. Speaking to Hoda Kotb, Emma spoke about life for the 68 actor and admitted it’s been hard to navigate since his diagnosis. “Dementia is hard,” she said. “It’s hard on the person diagnosed, it’s also hard on the family. And that is no different for Bruce, or myself, or our girls. When they say this is a family disease, it really is.
As previously reported, Willis was initially diagnosed with aphasia, which is a type of progressive dementia that affects the ability to communicate. Sadly, Emma acknowledged that it’s ‘hard to know’ exactly how aware Bruce is of his disease.
His family and his ex-wife Demi Moore announced his retirement in March 2022 while disclosing the diagnosis. Earlier this year, they shared that his condition had progressed and his diagnosis changed from aphasia to frontotemporal dementia.
Bruce Willis’ Wife Emma Willis Shares Heartbreaking Update On His Condition: “Dementia Is Hard”
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Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. It is also known as frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). FTD is different from other types of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, as it primarily affects behavior, personality, and language skills rather than memory.
Speaking more about why it was important to share his health updates, especially during Frontotemporal Dementia Awareness Week. Emma said, “We’re a very honest and open household,” she said. “And you know, the most important thing was to be able for us to say what the disease was, explain what it is because when you know what the disease is, from a medical standpoint, it sort of all makes sense.”
She added: “So it was important that we let them know what it is because, you know, I don’t want there to be any stigma or shame attached to their dad’s diagnosis or for any form of dementia.”
The couple are parents to their young daughters Mabel, 11, and Evelyn, 8. The actor is also dad to daughters Rumer, 34, Scout, 31, and Tallulah, 29 whom he shares with ex-wife Demi Moore.