Bruce Willis' Family Shares Devastating Health Update
The actor has received an updated diagnosis.
Rumer Willis and her family have issued a new statement surrounding patriarch Bruce Willis' health.
The Die Hard star's retirement from acting was announced nearly a year ago, in March of 2022, following a diagnosis of aphasia.
Today, Feb. 16, daughter Rumer shared an update about the 67-year-old's health on Instagram, alongside a photo of the actor smiling at the camera from the beach.
"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," she began. "In the spirit of that, we wanted to give you an update about our beloved husband, father and friend since we now have a deeper understanding of what he is experiencing."
She went on to announce that since his initial diagnosis of aphasia, which is a broader condition that can affect a person's ability to understand and/or express both written and spoken language, they've narrowed it down to an official diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia, or 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," she continued, before directing fans to the link in her bio for more information.
Related: Bruce Willis Strikes a Pose in Rare Photo With Daughter Tallulah
In a statement shared via The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, the family elaborated, explaining that FTD is the most common form of dementia for people under 60 years old. "Because getting the diagnosis can take years, FTD is likely much more prevalent than we know," they added.
According to the AFTD, FTD is also known as Pick's disease and represents a number of brain disorders that are caused by the degeneration of the frontal and/or temporal lobes.
Symptoms may take anywhere from two to 20 years to progress, and can affect behavior and movement in addition to language, but will ultimately lead to "inevitable decline in functioning" no matter what.
Those afflicted have an average life expectancy of seven to 13 years from the start of symptoms and, unfortunately, there are currently no treatments for the disease. Willis' family hopes to change that in the years to come, noting, "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."
They continued, "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."
Willis' countless friends and colleagues immediately sent their support to the family via Rumer's Instagram.
"Love you so much my friend!?? Sending hugs to you and that beautiful family of yours. Your pops is such a damn legend," Aaron Paul wrote.
"Sending you all my love," Wilmer Valderrama commented, while Claire Holt said, "Sending so much love ??"
Fans sympathized as well, with one sharing, "I’m so so sorry! My mom has the same thing. It’s very sad enjoy every minute you can!"
"Big fan of your Dad. Sending positive vibes. He’s lucky that he has an amazing support system behind him to help him through these challenges," said another.
The family wrapped up their full statement, writing, "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. Your continued compassion, understanding, and respect will enable us to help Bruce live as full a life as possible."
If you'd like to donate to AFTD in Willis' name to support patients and families affected by FTD, you can do so through their website.
