Bruce Willis’ wife has issued a heartbreaking update on the star’s battle with dementia.
It comes after Willis’ family announced the actor had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia earlier this year He had previously been diagnosed with aphasia, a cognitive communication disorder.
“The veteran actor has been experiencing some health issues and has recently been diagnosed with aphasia, which is impacting his cognitive abilities,” their Instagram statement read at the time.
“As a result of this and with much consideration Bruce is stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him. This is a challenging time for our family and we are so appreciative of your continued love, compassion, and support.”
They added: “We are moving through this as a strong family unit, and wanted to bring his fans in because we know how much he means to you, as you do to him. As Bruce always says, ‘Live it up’ and together we plan to do just that.”
In February, his family issued an update on his condition, and confirmed that his diagnosis had moved from aphasia to a more specific diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia.
Their statement said: “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,” they wrote, adding: “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. “
It continued: “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.”
Following this devastating news, members of the family shared the first video of the star after his heartbreaking diagnosis.
A clip of Bruce celebrating his 68th birthday was shared online, showing Bruce chatting and laughing surrounded by his family, while they all sang happy birthday to him.
Demi Moore captioned the post: “Happy birthday, BW! So glad we could celebrate you today. Love you and love our family. Thank you to everyone for the love and warm wishes — we all feel them.”
But the latest news comes from Bruce’s wife, Emma Hemming Willis, who has issued an update on the actor’s battle with dementia on her Instagram.
The 44-year-old admitted that treatment options for her husband are “slim”.
Hemming Willis spoke about how she watched Little Empty Boxes, a documentary by filmmaker Max Lugavere about his experience of watching his mother’s dementia.
“When you live the world of dementia you know that options are slim,” she shared.
“But some won’t take that lying down which is how change is made, and I got to witness the beauty in that last night.”
She added that the director’s love for his mother was “powerful,”
She added: “His motivation to find answers from leading health experts is inspiring and then be so gracious to share that information is a true blessing.
“Thank you Max for being so brave and vulnerable to share the journey and spotlighting the importance of brain health.”
Lugavere himself responded to her comments, saying: “You’re a warrior, and I’m so proud to be in this fight with you.”
Bruce’s ex-wife and mother of his eldest children, Demi Moore, commented: “Look forward to seeing it!”
Fans also went to the comments section to praise Hemming Willis for her openness about her and Bruce’s journey with the disease.
“Thank you for all your doing to help us understand more of how to deal with a loved one with dementia! I lost my mom a year and a half ago, it broke my heart,” one person wrote.
Another commented: “Thank you for sharing. I too am battling with the understanding and support as I deal with my husband’s Alzheimer’s.”
