Bruce Willis’ family have revealed the actor has now been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) following his battle with brain disorder, aphasia.
The Hollywood icon, 67, withdrew from acting earlier this year as he began his fight with the illness that caused his language abilities to deteriorate – with a joint statement from his family on Thursday announcing his condition had ‘progressed.’
The statement, from his children, wife Emma Heming and ex-wife Demi Moore and posted on The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration’s website read: ‘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.
‘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.
‘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).
Devastating: Bruce Willis’ family have revealed the actor now has now been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) following his battle with brain disorder, aphasia
‘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.
‘FTD is a cruel disease that many of us have never heard of and can strike anyone. For people under 60, FTD is the most common form of dementia, and because getting the diagnosis can take years, FTD is likely much more prevalent than we know.
‘Today there are no treatments for the disease, a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead. As Bruce’s condition advances, we hope that any media attention can be focused on shining a light on this disease that needs far more awareness and research.
‘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.
‘Ours is just one family with a loved one who suffers from FTD, and we encourage others facing it to seek out the wealth of information and support available through AFTD (@theaftd, theaftd.org).
‘And for those of you who have been fortunate enough to not have any personal experience with FTD, we hope that you will take the time to learn about it, and support AFTD’s mission in whatever way you can.
‘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. 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.’
The statement was signed by Emma, Demi, and his daughters Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel, and Evelyn
In November, Willis was reunited on-screen with his former co-star John Travolta in the action-packed film Paradise City.
The film is one of the last that Willis completed before his family announced in March that he was retiring from acting after being diagnosed with aphasia.
The movie also marks the first major collaboration between Willis and Travolta since they starred in Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 crime classic Pulp Fiction.
Willis stars in the film as an aging bounty hunter taking on one of his most dangerous missions yet in Hawaii.

The family revealed earlier this year that the legendary actor was retiring from show business as his disorder effects his ability to speak and understand language
After he is shot and presumed dead, his son Ryan (Blake Jenner) teams up with his father’s former partner (Stephen Dorff) to hunt down his killers, all while dealing with a sadistic crime lord (Travolta).
Bruce’s blended family issued a joint statement at the end of March announcing that he was ‘stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him.’
The statement revealed he ‘has been experiencing some health issues and has recently been diagnosed with aphasia, which is impacting his cognitive abilities.’
After the family went public with news of Bruce’s retirement, fans flocked to social media to share their love for Bruce.
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