Bruce Willis' wife calls his dementia a blessing and a curse

Bruce Willis’ wife shared insights into how their family is coping with his diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia, emphasizing that despite the challenges, it has taught them the importance of love and care.

In March 2022, the family revealed that the iconic “Die Hard” actor was diagnosed with aphasia, which had a significant impact on his cognitive abilities, leading him to step away from his acting career. Subsequently, in February, they disclosed his diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia.

Emma Heming Willis, his wife, appeared on NBC’s “TODAY” show and discussed their journey. She explained that dementia is a challenging condition, affecting both the person diagnosed and the entire family, including Bruce, herself, and their daughters. She stressed that dementia is indeed a family disease.

Heming Willis described herself as a “care partner” and mentioned that their household has maintained open and honest communication about the disease. They felt it was essential to clarify the nature of the disease to their daughters, removing any potential stigma or shame associated with their father’s diagnosis or dementia in general. The couple has two young daughters, while Bruce Willis has three adult daughters from his previous marriage to Demi Moore.

Heming Willis, 45, shared her thoughts during World FTD Awareness Week.

Frontotemporal dementia, abbreviated as FTD, encompasses a group of brain disorders affecting the frontal and temporal lobes, typically impacting personality, behavior, and language, as per the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms vary, with some individuals experiencing significant personality changes, impulsivity, or emotional detachment, while others face difficulties with language use.

Currently, there is no cure for FTD, but medications can improve the quality of life by reducing associated agitation, irritability, and depression, as stated by the National Institute on Aging. Susan Wilkinson, CEO of the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, noted that FTD often leads to misdiagnoses due to its relative rarity and lack of familiarity among most doctors.

Regarding whether Bruce Willis is aware of his condition, Heming Willis expressed uncertainty, as FTD can affect self-awareness. Wilkinson added that the disease can impact the frontal lobe, which controls self-insight, making it difficult to determine how much awareness the individual retains.

Heming Willis referred to her husband’s diagnosis as both a blessing and a curse, highlighting the lessons in love, patience, and resilience that he continues to impart to their family. She emphasized the importance of finding joy amid grief and sadness and acknowledged the positive aspects unfolding in their lives. Bruce Willis, she stated, would want them to focus on the joy and embrace the present.