Bruce Willis’ family releases statement confirming his diagnosis of dementia

Bruce Willisbest known for his roles in films Die Hard, pulp Fiction, The sixth sense, The fifth element, and more, has taken another turn for the worse health-wise. Last year, we reported that Willis was retiring from acting after learning he had been diagnosed with aphasia, a speech disorder caused by brain damage that affects a person’s ability to communicate.

Now his family has released a statement that Willis has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), which is a condition or group of disorders caused by the progressive loss of nerve cells in the frontal or temporal lobes of the brain.

You can read their words below:

As a family, we wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all for the outpouring of love and compassion for Bruce over the past ten months,” writes the Willis family. “Your generosity of spirit has been overwhelming and we are enormously grateful for it. Out of your kindness and because we know you love Bruce as much as we do, we wanted to update you.

Since we announced Bruce’s aphasia diagnosis in the spring of 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 a symptom of the illness Bruce faces. While this is painful, it’s a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis.

FTD is a cruel disease that many of us have never heard of and it can affect anyone. For people under 60, FTD is the most common form of dementia, and because getting diagnosed can take years, FTD is probably far more prevalent than we know. Today there is no cure for the disease, a reality we hope will change in the years to come. As Bruce’s condition progresses, we hope that media attention can be focused on shedding light on this disease which needs much more awareness and research.

[Bruce] she has always believed in using her voice out into the world to help others and to raise awareness of important issues both publicly and privately. We know in our hearts that if you could today, you would respond by bringing global attention and a connection to those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease and how it impacts so many people and their families.

Bruce has always found joy in life and has helped everyone he knows to do the same. It meant for the world to see that sense of caring resonate to him and to all of us. We were so touched by the love you shared for our dear husband, father and friend during this difficult time. Your continued compassion, understanding and respect will enable us to help Bruce live the fullest life possible.

This is such sad news. Anyone who has dealt with dementia in their family knows how devastating it is for a person and their loved ones. Our hearts go out to them as they move forward.