Bruce Willis' Family Releases Statement Confirming His Dementia Diagnosis

Bruce Willis, known best for his roles in the films Die Hard, Pulp Fiction, The Sixth Sense, The Fifth Element, and so much more, has had another turn for the worse health-wise. Last year, we reported that Willis was retiring from acting after learning that he had been diagnosed with aphasia, a language disorder caused by brain damage that affects a person’s ability to communicate.

Now his family has released a statement that Willis has been diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), which is a condition or group of disorders caused by progressive nerve cell loss in the frontal or temporal lobes of the brain.

You can read their words below:

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 Willis Family writes. "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.

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 (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.

FTD is a cruel disease that many of us have never heard of and can strike anyone. For people under 60, FTD is the most common form of dementia, and because getting the diagnosis can take years, FTD is likely much more prevalent than we know. Today there are 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.

[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.

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.

This is such sad news. Anyone who has had to deal with dementia within their family knows how devastating it is to a person and their loved ones. Our hearts go out to them as they move forward.