Bruce Willis’s challenges have become widely known to those with internet access, receiving daily tributes and messages of support.
The Hollywood icon decided to retire from acting last year following a diagnosis of aphasia. This condition, among other impacts, reportedly affected his communication abilities, making it progressively challenging for him to continue working on film sets.
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Unfortunately, his condition has taken a tragic turn for the worse since then. His family recently confirmed that Bruce Willis has been diagnosed with dementia.
The news of his dementia diagnosis came as a shock to Bruce’s loved ones and fans around the world. Those closest to him have been offering support in various ways.
A joint statement from Willis’s wife, Emma Heming, his children, and his ex-wife, Demi Moore, stated:
“Our family wanted to begin 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 provide you with 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).”
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“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.
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 family concluded.”
Bruce himself has largely been keeping a low-profile since his diagnosis was made public, though did venture out with two friends for coffee at the weekend.
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It should go without saying that the actor’s family will be of vital importance in the coming months. Yet it’s not just his immediate loved ones – wife Emma and his kids – who are pitching in to lend a hand.
No, according to the Daily Mail, ex-wife Demi Moore, with whom Bruce has always shared a strong bond, has taken the step to move in with the Willis clan so that she can help.
“Demi has moved in, and she is not leaving until the very end,” a source reportedly told the Mail. Demi, readers may remember, moved in with Bruce and Emma during the COVID-19 pandemic – the actress shares three children with Willis, Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah.
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