It’s been a bitter, heartbreaking year for Bruce Willis and all those close to him. The iconic actor’s health struggles have been well documented, but the latest admission from his wife, Emma Heming Willis, paints a grim picture indeed.
The Hollywood legend retired from acting last year in the wake of a diagnosis of aphasia. Among other things, the condition reportedly impaired his ability to communicate, making it increasingly difficult for him to work on set.
Tragically, however, his condition has worsened since then – his family confirmed earlier this year that he had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.
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Bruce Willis’ diagnosis
By all accounts, the Willis clan have come together to support Bruce in his hour of need, but there’s no sugarcoating the fact that his condition is not one that he will ever get better from.
On the contrary, caring for the actor at home is a role which his wife Emma knows is likely to become more difficult as time passes.
The 45-year-old has done her best to raise awareness about her husband’s condition since his damning diagnosis, and recently took to social media in support of World FTD Awareness Week.
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 07: Bruce Willis attends the UK premiere of “A Good Day To Die Hard” at Empire Leicester Square on February 7, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Marsland/WireImage)
In her Instagram video, Emma offered a heartbreaking admission, stating that “there is no cure” for Bruce’s condition.
“FTD is short for frontotemporal dementia or degeneration,” she said in the clip. “FTD effects the front and temporal lobes of the brain. Today there is no cure or single treatment for this disease.”
Emma went on to reveal why it was so important for her that more people familiarize themselves with the disease.
“Welcome to World FTD Awareness Week 2023. I’m passionate about raising awareness for this disease called frontotemporal dementia that has entered into our family’s world,” she explained. “My hope is you will learn and take away something new and helpful from this week. I’m here to let the next family know that you are not alone and that there is understanding and hope within our strong FTD community.”
Emma Heming Willis shares heartbreaking reality of caring for Bruce Willis amid his battle with dementia
Last month, Emma spoke candidly on what life was like as Bruce’s primary caregiver since his diagnosis, admitting she was “not good” despite positive photos being posted on social media.
“I know it looks like I’m out living my best life, [but] I have to make a conscious effort every single day to live the best life that I can. I do that for myself, I do that for our two children and [I do that for] Bruce, who would not want me to live any other way,” she said in an emotional video posted on Instagram in August.
“So I don’t want it to be misconstrued that I’m good, ’cause I’m not. I’m not good.”
Here’s to wishing Bruce Willis and his family all the very best. If you’re a fan of the Die Hard actor, check out the first photo of him as a grandpa!
Bruce Willis’ first photo as a grandpa comes to light – and everyone’s saying the same thing
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