Emma Heming Willis, the multi-talented wife of former action star Bruce Willis, marked her husband’s 68th birthday on March 19 by posting an emotional clip on social media.
In March of 2022, they informed the public that he was suffering from aphasia, a condition affecting the brain which causes difficulty with language and speech. They also announced that he would be withdrawing from public life.
A statement about the progression of his condition was signed by his current wife, Emma Heming Willis, and his former wife Demi Moore, as well as his children Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel, and Evelyn.
The statement reads: "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."
The family hopes that by publicizing Willis's condition it will bring attention to FTD, for which there are currently no treatments."
In the clip below, a tearful Emma shares the day-to-day emotional rollercoaster ride of dealing with her beloved’s condition.
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Emma also compiled this montage saying of Bruce: " He is pure love. He is so loved. And I’ll be loving him always. Happy Birthday my sweet. My birthday wish for Bruce is that you continue to keep him in your prayers and highest vibrations because his sensitive Pisces soul will feel it Thank you so much for loving and caring for him too."
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According to the Alzheimers Association, Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), causes changes to personality, behavior, language, memory, and movement, due to the areas of the brain that it affects (the frontal and temporal lobes).
There are also physical effects, such as slowness of movement, loss of bladder and bowel control, and muscle weakness. As with other forms of dementia, the condition degenerates slowly at first but then gradually gets worse over the years.
