Nearly a year after revealing his fight with aphasia, Bruce Willis has been given an alarming prognosis.
The family of the 67-year-old “Die Hard” star, who announced his retirement from acting in March 2022, sorrowfully divulged that he has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.
“While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis,” the family said.
“FTD is a cruel disease that many of us have never heard of and can strike anyone. For people under 60, FTD is the most common form of dementia, and because getting the diagnosis can take years, FTD is likely much more prevalent than we know,” they continued.
“Today there are no treatments for the disease, a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead. 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.”
The statement, co-signed by Willis’ former and current wife as well as all his daughters, also noted that if Bruce was capable of responding to the circumstances he faces, he would strive to bring global attention and connectedness to others living with this debilitating disease.
“Bruce has always found joy in life — and has helped everyone he knows to do the same. It has meant the world to see that sense of care echoed back to him and to all of us,” the statement added.
“We have been so moved by the love you have all 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 as full a life as possible.”
When Willis was first diagnosed with aphasia, the prognosis did not look good. The Mayo Clinic predicted his struggles in comprehending and communicating both verbally and non-verbally would be considerable. Nevertheless, undeterred by these challenges, he continued to appear at public events with friends and partake in “spontaneous” musical improvisations.
Months after discovering her diagnosis, Heming – 44 years old at the time- disclosed she was battling intense and overwhelming grief.
“I’m learning how to live along side [sic] it,” she posted on social media.
The starlet then drew upon her wisdom from Willis’ daughter Scout at 31-years of age, stating in writing, “Grief is the deepest and purest form of love. I hope you find some comfort in that too.”
Not only does Scout share a special bond with her retired actor father, but she is also the proud big sister of Rumer and Tallulah. The 34-year-old oldest daughter is even expecting her first bundle of joy!
Since uniting in matrimony back in 2009, Wills and Heming now parent two daughters – eight-year-old Evelyn and ten-year-old Mabel.
