Bruce Willis attends the Comedy Central Roast of Bruce Willis at Hollywood Palladium on July 14, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images) Actor Bruce Willis has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, an untreatable disease and the most common form of dementia in people under 60.Willis’ family announced the diagnosis on the Instagram page of Demi Moore, Willis’ ex-wife, and in a statement on the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration's website.
The statement was signed by Willis’ wife, Emma Heming Willis, Moore, and his five children, Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel and Evelyn."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," the family wrote.The disease, known as FTD, is a progression of aphasia, which Willis has battled since 2022.
Willis, 67, stepped away from acting in March following the diagnosis. Willis' family said his aphasia had affected his cognitive abilities. "Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately," his family's statement said. "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," the statement continued. "It has meant the world to see that sense of care echoed back to him and to all of us.