A year after Bruce Willis' family announced he'd be retiring from acting due to aphasia, they're giving us another update. In a new statement from wife Emma Heming, ex Demi Moore, and his children, they revealed that they recently learned Bruce has been diagnosed with dementia.
In 2022, Bruce's family revealed that he was struggling with aphasia.
Last March, Emma shared an Instagram post revealing that Bruce was stepping away from acting because of his health.
"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 at the time.
Now, we know more about what Bruce's condition entails.
In a new statement that the family released together through Instagram this week, they shared more about Bruce's diagnosis.
"Our family wanted to start by expressing our deepest gratitude for the incredible outpouring of love, support and wonderful stories we have all received since sharing Bruce’s original diagnosis," the statement began. "In the spirit of that, we wanted to give you an update about our beloved husband, father and friend since we now have a deeper understanding of what he is experiencing."
Bruce has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.
"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 explained.
They elaborated more on his condition on the website for the Association of Frontotemporal Degeneration, sharing that the disease is progressive.
One of Bruce's daughters shared her feelings on the news as well.
Scout Willis took to her Instagram Stories to share how she's feeling now that her dad's new diagnosis is out in the open.
"Feeling emotionally tired and a bit overwhelmed, yet also very in awe of the love so many people have for my papa," she wrote.
Bruce's family hopes that sharing his diagnosis will help others.
"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," they wrote in the statement. "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."
This can't be an easy time for them, but there's no doubt their openness will help other families coping with the same diagnosis.
