Die Hard star Bruce Willis diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, Family releases statement

Cheena Khanna

February 17, 2023
6:37 pm
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Action hero Bruce Willis who had stepped back from acting a year back due to a medical condition has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. The Die Hard star's family has released a statement confirming the same.

Family statement on Bruce Willis health

In a public statement released by Bruce Willis family they have stated, that Willis has a more specific diagonis of frontemporal dementia. The 67-year-old was diagnosed with aphasia in spring last year. The family added in the statement that it has progressed. While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis. FTD is a cruel disease that many of us have never heard of and can strike anyone.”

The statement further revealed, Frontotemporal dementia is the most common form of dementia in people under 60. Today there are no treatments for the disease, a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead.”

The statement was posted on the website for the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration. It was signed by the actor’s wife Emma Heming and his former wife Demi Moore and his five children, Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel and Evelyn. They added that they hope the media attention will raise awareness of the actor’s condition.

It said, “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 a connectedness with those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease and how it impacts so many individuals and their families.“

They also expressed their “deepest gratitude for the incredible outpouring of love”.

What is frontemporal dementia?

Frontotemporal dementia, also known as FTD, is one of several types of dementia. It causes nerve damage in the frontal and temporal lobes, which leads to a loss of function in those areas, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

It is caused by a build-up of toxic proteins in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain (those behind the forehead and ears). Damage to these regions affects language and behaviour capability. There is still no cure as symptoms continue to get worse.

Friends React

The statement garnered instant reaction from friends of the family. Aaron Paul, said, Willis was “such a damn legend. Love you so much my friend!” Singer and actress Queen Latifah wrote, “God bless you my brother we love you!!! all the best. Thank you and your family for all the entertainment!!!” Selma Blair wrote: “Sending love.” Bonnie Hunt wrote, “An abundance of love for you dear Demi, for Bruce, for all of you.”

Bruce Willis won immense fame as the hard-bitten hero John McClane in Die Hard franchise. Besides this the winner ofa Golden Globe and two Emmy’s also won praise for his role in The Sixth Sense. He also won hearts as the voice for the baby in the popular “Look Who’s Talking.” The actor has also featured in Pulp Fiction, 12 Monkeys, Armageddon, Moonrise Kingdom, Rock the Kasbah and many others.