Bruce Willis’s wife opens up about his diagnosis with rare form of dementia
Emma Heming Willis, the wife of actor Bruce Willis, recently spoke out about her husband’s diagnosis with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTD), a rare type of dementia. In an interview on the “Today” morning show, Heming Willis expressed her uncertainty about whether Bruce is fully aware of his condition, as FTD can affect self-insight and understanding.
Heming Willis emphasized that dementia not only impacts the individual diagnosed but also has a significant impact on their family. She highlighted the importance of support and unity in dealing with the challenges of the disease. Heming Willis, who has been married to Bruce since 2009 and shares two daughters with him, described FTD as a “family disease.”
Bruce Willis’s diagnosis was made public in February, and his family announced that he had retired from acting due to a related communication disorder called aphasia, which progressed into FTD. Aphasia can affect movement, speech, and behavior, and is often misdiagnosed as depression or bipolar disorder.
During the interview, Susan Dickinson, CEO of the Association of Frontotemporal Degeneration, shed light on the complexity of FTD and explained that some individuals lose self-awareness and understanding of their condition, while others retain it for a longer period.
Heming Willis shared the emotional toll of caring for someone with FTD and referred to herself as a “care partner” rather than a caretaker. She stressed the importance of finding joy amidst the grief and sadness that comes with the disease, as it is what Bruce would want for their family.
The couple has also been dealing with the added pressure of paparazzi attention, despite their plea for privacy. In a video message, Heming Willis requested that photographers refrain from hounding Bruce and allow their family to navigate their lives safely. Caring for someone with FTD can be challenging, and Heming Willis highlighted the stress involved in helping their loved one within the broader society.
Approximately 50,000 to 60,000 people in the United States have FTD, with some cases being inherited and others having unknown causes. As FTD progresses, individuals will require total care. Heming Willis hopes to raise awareness of the condition and provide comfort to others going through a similar experience.
While Heming Willis admitted to feeling out of her comfort zone by taking a public role in advocating for FTD awareness, she sees it as a tribute to her husband and his ability to inspire and teach love, patience, and resilience to their family.
Overall, Heming Willis’s candid interview shed light on the challenges that come with FTD and the importance of support, understanding, and awareness for both the affected individuals and their families.