Approximately a year ago, Bruce Willis opened up about his fight with aphasia and announced his retirement from acting – now, due to the actor’s recent diagnosis of dementia, his wife has requested that paparazzi refrain from “yelling” at him.
In an emotional Instagram video, Emma Heming Willis begged photographers to respect her personal space when they catch sight of the 67-year-old actor out and about.
“If you are someone who is looking after someone with dementia, you know how difficult and stressful it can be to get someone out into the world and to navigate them safely, even just to get a cup of coffee,” Heming Willis said.
“It’s clear that there’s still a lot of education that needs to be put forth,” she added. “So this one is going out to the photographers and video people that are trying to get those exclusives of my husband out and about. Just keep your space.”
Heming Willis, who has been in wedded bliss to Bruce since 2009, admitted that the paparazzi are doing their job but noted there may be a more respectful way of going about it.
“I know this is your job, but maybe just keep your space,” she stated. “Please don’t be yelling at my husband, asking how he’s doing, whatever. The woo-hooing and the yippee-ki-yay’s — just don’t do it. Give him the space. Allow for our family or whoever’s with him that day to be able to get him from Point A to Point B safely. That’s my PSA.”
Just weeks ago, it was divulged that Willis’ aphasia had advanced to frontotemporal dementia, rendering him incapable of communication. This video release arrives in the wake of this news.
Demi Moore, the ex-spouse of Willis, recently took to Instagram to keep his fans informed on how he was doing. She sent them a link for further details regarding his health status available at the Association for Frontotemporal Dementia’s official website.
“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,” the statement said.
It continued, “Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately. We know in our hearts that — if he could today — he would want to respond by bringing global attention and connectedness with those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease and how it impacts so many individuals and their families.”
Moore, who was in holy matrimony with Willis from 1987 to 2000, signed the statement alongside their daughters Rumer (34), Scout (31) and Tallulah (29). Joining them were Heming Willis and their two girls Mabel (10) and Evelyn(8).
The statement declared that frontotemporal dementia is the most prevalent form of dementia in those under 60 years old and, unfortunately, there is no known cure.
“FTD is actually a group of brain disorders that cause progressive degeneration of the neurons in the brain and, as the name suggests, affects primarily the frontal and temporal areas of the brain,” Dr. Allison B. Reiss of the NYU Long Island School of Medicine previously said.
“It has a relatively young age of onset, most diagnosed between the ages of 45 and 64 years.”
