It’s a difficult situation for any family when a loved one is diagnosed with dementia. Bruce Willis and his wife, Emma Heming Willis, are no exception. In March 2022, the actor announced he was retiring from acting after being diagnosed with aphasia – his condition has since developed into frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
Emma Heming Willis, the wife of actor Bruce Willis, said it is “hard to know” whether the Hollywood star is aware of his diagnosis with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTD) — a rare type of dementia for which there is no known treatment or cure. https://t.co/iIOwwnvSDE
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) September 26, 2023
In an interview on NBC’s Today Show, Mrs. Heming Willis revealed her struggle to help her husband cope with this difficult diagnosis and that of her two young daughters.
She said “What I’m learning is that dementia is hard. It’s hard on the person diagnosed. It’s also hard on the family. And that is no different for Bruce or myself or our girls…So it was important that we let them know what it is because, you know, I don’t want there to be any stigma or shame attached to their dad’s diagnosis or for any form of dementia.”
Bruce Willis' daughters speak out after heartbreaking update on his health https://t.co/EpsvZUcFzG
— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 26, 2023
Mrs. Heming Willis also shared how she wants her daughters to grow up in an open and honest household so they can understand their father’s condition without feeling ashamed or embarrassed by it. She added, “It’s teaching them so much – in how to care and love.”
Susan Dickinson from the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration joined Mrs. Heming Willis during the interview and explained why FTD can take so long to diagnose properly – often people are misdiagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder due to behavioral changes; Parkinson’s disease due to mobility concerns; or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Bruce Willis' wife says 'it's hard to know' if actor understands his dementia diagnosis https://t.co/63QTSutlX1
— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 26, 2023
The couple have been married since 2009 and have two young daughters together – Mabel aged 11 and Evelyn aged 9; Mr Willis also has three daughters from his previous marriage to Demi Moore: Rumer (35), Scout (32) and Tallulah (29).
When asked whether Mr. Willis understands his diagnosis, Mrs. Heming-Willis responded: “It’s hard to know”.
Living with FTD presents many difficulties but having understanding family members who support each other can help make life easier during these challenging times.
