Bruce Willis has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, his family announced in a statement shared on Thursday. The diagnosis comes after the family previously revealed he was suffering from aphasia in March 2022. He retired from acting at the time.
"As a family, we wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all for the outpouring of love and compassion for Bruce over the past ten months," the statement read. "Your generosity of spirit has been overwhelming, and we are tremendously grateful for it. For your kindness, and because we know you love Bruce as much as we do, we wanted to give you an update." Willis' daughter, Rumer, also shared the message on her Instagram page.
The Family's Statement
From there, the family explained that "Bruce’s condition has progressed and we now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia (known as 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."
They further added that there are currently "no treatments for the disease, a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead. 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."
The family said Willis "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."
The family concluded the statement by saying, "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." They added: "Your continued compassion, understanding, and respect will enable us to help Bruce live as full a life as possible."
Despite his retirement, Willis stars in the upcoming thriller, Assassin, which releases next month. Filming on the project occurred back in June 2021. Jesse Atlas directed the film.
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