Bruce Willis has been diagnosed with dementia, his family announce
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Bruce Willis has sadly been diagnosed with dementia, his family have announced. News of the actor's declining health comes just one year on from his diagnosis with aphasia – a condition that impacts the ability to speak, write and read – which forced him into retirement.
Sharing the news of Willis' condition in a statement, his family said: "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)."
"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," they went on, branding FTD a "cruel disease".
According to the NHS, "frontotemporal dementia is an uncommon type of dementia that causes problems with behaviour and language." The NHS also notes that, like other types of dementia, frontotemporal dementia tends to develop slowly and get gradually worse over several years.
"Today there are no treatments for the disease, a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead," Willis' family added, highlighting how they hope to use their celebrity status to raise awareness of the condition. "As Bruce’s condition advances, we hope that any media attention can be focused on shining a light on this disease that needs far more awareness and research."
"Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately," his family continued. "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 was signed by members of Willis' family including his wife Emma Heming, with whom he has two daughters, and his former wife Demi Moore and their three daughters. Collectively the family thanked fans for their ongoing support and expressed their "deepest gratitude for the incredible outpouring of love."
To learn more about dementia and find out how you can support those affected by it, head to Dementia UK.
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