Bruce Willis’ wife, Emma Heming Willis, offered an update on the actor’s health two years after his diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia, emphasizing that he remains “in really great health overall.” The update came during an interview with Diane Sawyer, part of a new ABC special titled Emma & Bruce Willis: The Unexpected Journey, which airs tonight and will be available for streaming on Hulu and Disney+ tomorrow.
Heming Willis explained to Sawyer that although Bruce’s brain is affected by dementia, he remains physically active and mobile. She described how their family has adapted to the changes in his communication abilities, noting that
“It’s just his brain that is failing him… The language is going, and you know, we’ve learned to adapt. And we have a way of communicating with him, which is just a different, a different way.”
Recognizing Early Signs and Diagnosis Challenges
Bruce Willis was first diagnosed in 2022 with aphasia, a neurological disorder that impairs language and communication skills. Emma Heming Willis recalled noticing early changes in Bruce’s behavior before the diagnosis, mentioning he had become “a little more quiet” and less engaged in social interactions, which contrasted sharply with his usually talkative and spirited nature.
She described how this reduction in warmth was distressing for the family:
“When the family would get together, he would kind of just melt a little bit. He felt a little removed, very cold. Not like Bruce, who is very warm and affectionate. To go in the complete opposite of that was alarming and scary.”
Progression to Frontotemporal Dementia and Its Effects
After the initial aphasia diagnosis, Bruce received a second diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a condition marked by a decline in behavior, language, and sometimes movement. According to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD), symptoms vary but ultimately lead to an inevitable loss of some functioning.
Two years into his diagnosis, Emma Heming Willis shared that while Bruce experiences difficult symptoms, the family still sees glimpses of his lively personality. She highlighted moments when his cheerful side breaks through:
“I mean, we still get those days. Not days but moments. It’s his laugh, right? He has such a hearty laugh. And, you know, sometimes you’ll see that twinkle in his eye or that spark, and, you know, I just get, like, transported. And it’s just hard because, as quickly as those moments appear, then it goes.”
Caregiving and Memoir Release
Emma Heming Willis has documented her experience caring for Bruce in a forthcoming book titled The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path, scheduled for release on September 9. The memoir offers a reflection on the challenges and emotional journey of supporting a loved one through dementia.
Bruce Willis’ health update shines a light on the realities of living with frontotemporal dementia, emphasizing both the difficulties and the moments of connection the family cherishes. This ongoing story raises awareness about neurodegenerative diseases and the importance of understanding and adapting to these conditions.
