Everything To Know About Bruce Willis' Health Battle
Bruce Willis retired from movies and public life after being diagnosed with aphasia in 2022.
Bruce Willis retired from movies and public life after being diagnosed with aphasia in 2022, and in February 2023, his condition progressed to frontotemporal dementia.
Find out about the Die Hard star's health journey and conditions and what they entail—as well as how his family, including daughters Rumer, Scout and Tallulah Willis—are coping with caregiving.
Related: Bruce Willis Retires From Acting Following Aphasia Diagnosis
March 30, 2022: Bruce Willis is diagnosed with aphasia
In March 2022, Willis' family released a statement announcing that the beloved action hero had been diagnosed with aphasia, a condition that makes communicating and processing language difficult.
Explaining that the condition impacted Willis' cognitive abilities, the statement read in part, "This is a really challenging time for our family and we are so appreciative of your continued love, compassion and support. We are moving through this as a strong family unit, and wanted to bring his fans in because we know how much he means to you, as you do to him."
Related: What Is Aphasia?
Aug. 30, 2022: Emma Heming Willis opened up about the 'grief' she felt following Bruce Willis' aphasia diagnosis
Bruce Willis' wife Emma Heming Willis revealed the difficulties of caring for the actor following his aphasia diagnosis—a struggle that likely resonated with many caregivers.
"My grief can be paralyzing but I'm learning how to live alongside it," she wrote on Instagram on Aug. 30, 2022. "As my step-daughter @scoutlaruewillis told me, grief is the deepest and purest form of love. I hope you find comfort in that too. ?? #nationalgriefawarenessday#griefawareness #liveitup."
Related: Emma Hemming Willis Discusses 'Grief' Surrounding Bruce Willis' Aphasia Diagnosis
Feb. 16, 2023: Bruce Willis is diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia
On Feb. 16, 2023, Willis' daughter Rumer Willis released a statement on behalf of his wife and daughters explaining that his aphasia had progressed into frontotemporal dementia.
"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)," she wrote on Instagram. "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."
Willis' family expounded in a statement shared via The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, explaining that the illness, also called Pick's disease, is the most common form of dementia affecting patients younger than 60 years old.
"Because getting the diagnosis can take years, FTD is likely much more prevalent than we know," the statement reads in part.
FTD symptoms can take anywhere from two years to two decades to progress, with movement and behavior being impacted as well as communication. The life expectancy for FTD patients is typically between seven and 13 years from the first onset of symptoms; there are no currently no treatments for the disease itself.
"Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately," the Willis family statement continued. "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."
"Bruce has always found joy in life—and has helped everyone he knows to do the same. It has meant the world to see that sense of care echoed back to him and to all of us. We have been so moved by the love you have all shared for our dear husband, father, and friend during this difficult time," the missive concluded. "Your continued compassion, understanding, and respect will enable us to help Bruce live as full a life as possible."
