Bruce Willis diagnosed with 'cruel' form of dementia, family releases statement of support

On Thursday, the family of Bruce Willis released a statement that said the 67-year-old retired actor had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, a progression from his diagnosis last year with aphasia, a brain disorder that causes an inability to express and understand written and spoken words.

Willis' family, including ex-wife Demi Moore, wife Emma Heming, and his five daughters, released the statement on The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration's website and it said, "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). 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."

According to the Daily Mail, "FTD affects the lobes of the brain behind the forehead, which deal with behavior, problem-solving, planning and emotions -  with symptoms including personality changes, obsessive behavior and speaking difficulties."

"FTD is a cruel disease that many of us have never heard of and can strike anyone. For people under 60, FTD is the most common form of dementia, and because getting the diagnosis can take years, FTD is likely much more prevalent than we know," The statement said.

"Today there are no treatments for the disease, a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead. As Bruce’s condition advances, we hope that any media attention can be focused on shining a light on this disease that needs far more awareness and research."

On Twitter, Jack Posobiec noted that there are no known cures for the disease.

"Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately. We know in our hearts that – if he could today -- he would want to respond by bringing global attention and a connectedness with those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease and how it impacts so many individuals and their families," the statement added.

On Twitter, Charlie Kirk wrote, "Sad to see the news about Bruce Willis. A great actor and a great American. This country may have peaked when he dropped Hans Gruber from the top of Nakatomi Plaza. Prayers up for this man."

According to the Alzheimer's Society, "The word 'frontotemporal' refers to the two sets of lobes (frontal and temporal) in the brain that are damaged in this type of dementia. FTD occurs when disease damages nerve cells in these lobes."

Willis rose to fame in the 1980's by starring in the hit sitcom Moonlighting but then grew to superstardom in the breakout 1988 hit Die Hard, where he originated the now iconic everyman cop John McClane.

While his status as an action hero solidified with turns in films such as the Die Hard sequels and 1991's Last Boy Scout, he also took smaller roles in 90's genre films such as Death Becomes Her and Pulp Fiction which garnered him a reputation beyond mere silver screen heroics. His turns in 12 Monkeys, The Fifth Element, and the Sixth Sense elevated the actor to Hollywood heights achieved only by a few in the century long history of tinsel town.