Demi Moore Shared Bruce Willis's Aphasia Diagnosis and Subsequent Retirement
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Bruce Willis will be stepping away from acting. In an Instagram post, his ex-wife, Demi Moore shared that he has been diagnosed with aphasia, which will keep him from starring in the action films and Hollywood blockbusters that have earned him a legion of fans. Moore and Willis were married from 1987-2000 and had three children together.
In her caption, Moore noted that Willis's cognitive abilities have been impacted and that the family is supporting him through his diagnosis. She explained that the entire family wanted fans to know what was happening.
"To Bruce's amazing supporters, as a family we wanted to share that our beloved Bruce has been experiencing some health issues and has recently been diagnosed with aphasia, which is impacting his cognitive abilities. As a result of this and with much consideration Bruce is stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him," she wrote. "This is a really challenging time for our family and we are so appreciative of your continued love, compassion, and support. We are moving through this as a strong family unit, and wanted to bring his fans in because we know how much he means to you, as you do to him."
She finished the caption with an anecdote from her ex-husband, writing, "As Bruce always says, 'Live it up' and together we plan to do just that. Love, Emma, Demi, Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel, & Evelyn."
According to Johns Hopkins, "Aphasia is a language disorder caused by damage in a specific area of the brain that controls language expression and comprehension. Aphasia leaves a person unable to communicate effectively with others."
Though Moore didn't elaborate on Willis's specific situation, there are three types of aphasia: global, Broca, and Wernicke. Individuals diagnosed with Broca aphasia show damage in the front portion of the language-dominant side of the brain and Wernicke aphasia presents as damage in the side portion of the brain. Global aphasia affects larger portions of the brain. Strokes, head injuries, tumors, infections, and dementia can all cause aphasia.
Willis recently celebrated his 67th birthday on March 19, which Moore commemorated with a post on Instagram.
