By Cynthia Akande
Hollywood actor Bruce Willis has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), which is a rare type of dementia as announced by his family on Thursday.
This is coming less than a year after Willis retired from acting due to increasing cognitive difficulties.
The 67-year-old actor known for his role in the “Die Hard” franchise, stepped away from Hollywood in March and has been out of the limelight since then.
“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,” the statement said.
Frontotemporal dementia is an umbrella term for disorders affecting the areas of the brain that deal with personality, behaviour and language.
“Unfortunately, challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease Bruce faces,” the family statement said. “While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis”, it continued.
“FTD is a cruel disease that many of us have never heard of and can strike anyone.
“Today there are no treatments for the disease, a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead.”
The family statement, signed by Willis’ current wife, Emma Heming Willis, as well as former wife, actress Demi Moore, and his children Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel and Evelyn, said the actor had always worked to raise awareness about important issues.
