With a heavy heart, the actor Bruce Willis’s family has confirmed that Willis’s condition has worsened, and he has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). As stated in a recent family statement, this debilitating illness has affected the 67-year-old’s ability to speak and communicate.

This diagnosis comes nearly a year after the family announced that Willis would be stepping away from acting due to an initial diagnosis of aphasia. The latest statement provides a clearer understanding of Willis’ condition and its effects on him.

What is Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)

Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) is a type of dementia that affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. The frontal lobe controls behavior, personality, and decision-making, while the temporal lobe controls language and memory.

FTD is a progressive disease that typically starts in a person’s 50s or 60s and affects behavior, personality, and language abilities more than memory. It is often characterized by changes in behavior, such as disinhibition, apathy, and loss of empathy, as well as changes in language, such as difficulty speaking, understanding speech, and using words correctly.

FTD is a less well-known form of dementia than Alzheimer’s and can be challenging to diagnose. There is currently no cure for FTD, and treatment is focused on managing symptoms and providing support to affected individuals and their families.

Willis’s Family Statement

“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 update you 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 the spring of 2022, Bruce’s condition has progressed, and we now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Unfortunately, challenges with communication are just one symptom of Bruce’s disease. While this is painful, it is a relief to have a precise diagnosis finally.”

The statement was posted on Rumer Willis’ Instagram account, where it received an outpouring of support and well wishes from friends, family, and fans, including celebrities like Aaron Paul, Jonathan Tucker, Alyssa Milano, and Wilmer Valderrama.

As Willis and his family navigate this difficult journey, they have the support and love of those around them. Our thoughts are with the Willis family during this trying time.