Bruce Willis, 68, and one of Hollywood’s most popular actors of the eighties and nineties, made headlines in February when he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), after aphasia, a language disorder, was detected in 2022.
Since then his three eldest daughters, born from his marriage to Demi Moore (Rumer, Tallulah and Scout) have been providing details about their evolution. But now it has been his current wife, Emma Heming Willis, who has spoken to the media for the first time about her husband’s health and the daily battle against this neurodegenerative disease.
In an emotional interview on the Today show, Emma shared details about how dementia has impacted the lives of Bruce himself and his family. “It’s hard to know if Bruce is aware of what’s happening to him,” she revealed through tears. “Dementia is difficult, that’s what I’m learning. It’s hard on the patient and it’s hard on the family, on Bruce and on our daughters Mabel, 11, and Evelyn, 8,” he added.
The 45-year-old former British model has used her platform to raise awareness of frontotemporal dementia and shared her experience as Bruce’s main carer. “I have to make a conscious effort every day to live the best life possible. I do it for me, for our two daughters and for Bruce, who wouldn’t want me to live any other way”, he commented.
FTD is a disease that affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which are responsible for personality, behavior, memory and language. This condition became known a year after the actor, known for the action films The Crystal Jungle, Armageddon, The Fifth Element or The Sixth Sense, was diagnosed with aphasia, a language disorder.
The lack of care and treatment for frontotemporal dementia has prompted his wife, Emma Heming, to advocate for greater awareness of this disease, which is the third most common cause of neurodegenerative dementia, after Alzheimer’s and dementia with Lewy bodies. The couple have sought the support of top medical professionals and hired a personal assistant to ensure Bruce receives the care he needs.
“Understanding what was going on, being able to accept what it is, doesn’t make it any less painful, but the simple fact of being… aware of what’s happening to Bruce, makes it a little bit easier,” he said. with reference to knowing the origin of the actor’s problem.
In the midst of sadness and struggle, Emma has focused her energy on providing love, patience and resilience to her family while raising awareness of Frontotemporal Dementia in the world. “When we don’t take care of ourselves, we’re not good for the people we love,” he concluded.
