Emma Heming Willis, wife of Bruce Willis, has clarified recent misinformation surrounding the actor’s health. Speaking openly about Bruce Willis condition update, she emphasized that he still recognizes his family, despite the challenges he faces. This revelation came during discussions to promote her new book.
Emma explained to NewsNation that Bruce’s illness differs from Alzheimer’s disease, highlighting that while his behavior and communication are affected, his memory of loved ones remains intact.
Bruce doesn’t have Alzheimer’s. So he does know who we are.
– Emma Heming Willis
Recent Decline in Bruce Willis’ Communication Skills
Emma has noted that Bruce’s condition has deteriorated in recent months, especially regarding his ability to communicate. While his brain is struggling, his physical health remains strong. She shared these updates in an interview with Diane Sawyer on ABC News.
Bruce is in really great health overall, you know. It’s just his brain that is failing him.
– Emma Heming Willis
Emma added that although Bruce’s language skills are diminishing, their family has adapted by finding new ways to connect and communicate with 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 way.
– Emma Heming Willis
Despite the difficulties in verbal expressions, Emma emphasized the strength of their emotional connection with Bruce remains unaffected.
We have a very deep connection, and we have learned to sort of meet him where he’s at. And just be supportive and be able to love him.
– Emma Heming Willis
The Complex Reality of Living with Frontotemporal Dementia
Emma reflected on the mixed emotions that come with Bruce’s diagnosis of Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). She mentioned that it may be somewhat beneficial that Bruce is unaware of his decline, describing it as both a blessing and a curse.
The person doesn’t realize that they are experiencing a decline in their health,
she stated.
So it’s not denial; this is just a part of the disease. So, it’s a blessing and a curse. But I am grateful that Bruce never tapped into the idea that he had FTD.
Earlier, Emma faced scrutiny for revealing that Bruce lives in a one-story home near their family residence where he receives full-time care. She defended this choice as the best way to meet his needs while supporting the entire family dynamic.
Dementia plays out differently in everyone’s home, and you have to do what’s right for your family dynamic and what’s right for your person,
she explained.
It’s heartbreaking to me. But this is how we were able to support our whole family, [and] it has opened up Bruce’s world.
