Actor Bruce Willis has been recognized with frontotemporal dementia, his household stated in an announcement Thursday.
The 67-year-old “Die Onerous” star was recognized with the illness, often known as FTD, after his prior prognosis of aphasia progressed, his household stated.
“Sadly, challenges with communication are only one symptom of the illness Bruce faces. Whereas that is painful, it’s a aid to lastly have a transparent prognosis,” learn the assertion shared by his ex-wife, Demi Moore, and posted on an internet site for The Affiliation for Frontotemporal Degeneration.
The assertion was attributed to Willis’ spouse, Emma Heming Willis; Moore; and Willis’ daughters Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel and Evelyn.
“FTD is a merciless illness that many people have by no means heard of and may strike anybody,” the household’s assertion continued. “For individuals beneath 60, FTD is the commonest type of dementia, and since getting the prognosis can take years, FTD is probably going rather more prevalent than we all know.”
The illness’s development varies from two to greater than 20 years and the typical life expectancy after the beginning of signs is seven to 13 years. There isn’t any treatment or therapy at the moment accessible, in keeping with the AFTD’s web site.
Willis’ household stated that by sharing his story they hope they will convey extra consciousness to the illness and push for analysis towards discovering therapies.
“Bruce all the time believed in utilizing his voice on the planet to assist others, and to lift consciousness about necessary points each publicly and privately,” the household stated. “We all know in our hearts that – if he may right this moment ― he would need to reply by bringing world consideration and a connectedness with those that are additionally coping with this debilitating illness and the way it impacts so many people and their households.”
Willis retired from performing in 2022 after his aphasia prognosis.
Aphasia sometimes happens out of the blue after a stroke, head damage or typically a slow-growing tumor. It could have an effect on an individual’s skill to talk, write and perceive language, each verbal and written, in keeping with the Mayo Clinic.
The actor’s former co-workers advised the Los Angeles Occasions final yr that he had been struggling for years on set.