Bruces family shares an update on his condition
Bruce Willis, 67, of aphasia and the Detective Knight trilogy: A tribute to Bruce and his family
In a statement shared Thursday, the 67-year-old star’s family stated that while the news “is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis.”
The family said that Bruce always believed in using his voice to help others and to raise awareness about important issues. We know that he would want to bring global attention and be connected to people who are also affected by the disease, and how it affects many individuals and their families.
The first disclosure of his aphasia was made in 2022, by his family. They said at the time that Willis was suffering from a medical condition that was affecting his cognitive abilities and would be taking a break from acting.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, FTD refers to “a group of disorders caused by progressive nerve cell loss in the brain’s frontal lobes (the areas behind your forehead) or its temporal lobes.” These areas of the brain are generally associated with personality, behavior and language.
The third and final film in theDetective Knight movie series is called “Detective Knight: Independence”, and was released in January of 2019. He also has action movie “Assassin” slated for release next month.
Bruce Willis: Getting Your Family Out of the World Safely, Don’t Wanna See What Happens if You See Them
“Bruce has always found joy in life – and has helped everyone he knows to do the same. It meant the world to see the sense of care he and everyone else had for one another. The love you have shown our dear husband, father, and friend has moved us. Your continued compassion, understanding, and respect will allow us to help Bruce live a full life.
Bruce Willis’ wife, Emma Heming Willis, has called on paparazzi to keep their distance and stop yelling at the “Die Hard” star when they see him in public.
There is still a lot of education that needs to be put forth for people living with dementia, said Heming Willis in a video that was released over the weekend.
It can be hard to get someone out into the world and to navigate them safely, as the 44-year-old model recalled from the recent incident in which photographers tried to speak to the ailing actor.
She added, “For the video people, please don’t be yelling at my husband asking him how he’s doing or whatever — the ‘woohoo’-ing and the ‘yippee ki-yays’… just don’t do it. OK? Give him his space. Allow for our family or anyone who is with us that day to be able to get him from point A to point B safely.
Heming Willis added in the caption to the video: “To other caregivers or dementia care specialist navigating this world… Any tips or advice on how to get your loved ones out in the world safely? Please share below.”
Her request comes weeks after Willis’ family announced that his speaking disorder, aphasia, had progressed into a form of dementia called frontotemporal dementia, or FTD.