Bruce Willis has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), his family has announced.
The 67-year-old Hollywood star was diagnosed in March 2022 with aphasia, a condition affecting the brain that causes difficulties with language and speech, forcing him to retire from acting.
The statement on the progression of his condition was signed by his current wife, Emma Heming Willis, and his ex-wife Demi Moore, as well as his children Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel and Evelyn.
They said: “Since we announced Bruce’s aphasia diagnosis in the spring of 2022, Bruce’s condition has progressed and we now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia (known as FTD).
“Unfortunately, the challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease Bruce is facing. While this is painful, it’s a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis.”
The NHS has stated that FTD causes changes in personality, behaviour, speech and movement, due to the areas of the brain it affects, the front and side of the brain.
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As with other forms of dementia, the onset of the disease is slow at first but gradually gets worse.
Willis had received “an outpouring of love and compassion” in the past 10 months since his family disclosed his aphasia diagnosis. “Your generosity of spirit has been overwhelming and we are immensely grateful,” he said in the statement.
The family hopes that by publicizing Willis’ condition it will draw public attention to FTD, for which there is currently no cure.
“As Bruce’s condition progresses, we hope that media attention can be focused on shedding light on this disease that needs much more awareness and research.”
The family hoped that the understanding and respect shown by the public “would allow us to help Bruce live as full a life as possible.”
Willis came to national attention alongside Cybill Shepherd in the 1980s television hit Moonlighting.
His first big film role was as John McClane in the blockbuster Die Hard in 1988. He went on to star in films including Pulp Fiction, 12 Monkeys and The Sixth Sense.
In four decades he starred in more than 100 films, which have grossed over $5 billion (£4.17 billion) at the worldwide box office.
