Bruce Willis, famous for films like Die Hard, retired from acting in 2022 after suffering from the language disorder aphasia.
The family of American actor Bruce Willis claims that his “condition has progressed” over a year after it was revealed that he will retire from acting following an aphasia diagnosis.
The 67-year-family old’s claimed in a statement published on Thursday that Willis has been given a more precise diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
“While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis,” the statement read. “FTD is a cruel disease that many of us have never heard of and can strike anyone.”
Willis’s family claimed in March of last year that his aphasia had hampered his cognitive function. The illness results in a lack of verbal comprehension and expression.
His family stated on Thursday that speaking difficulties were only one sign of frontotemporal dementia.
According to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, FTD is a set of brain illnesses that affect behaviour, language, and movement and are brought on by frontal or temporal lobe degeneration.
Aphasia can be a symptom of it. The association describes frontotemporal degeneration as “an inevitable decline in functioning”, with an average life expectancy of seven to 13 years after the onset of symptoms.
“Today there are no treatments for the disease, a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead,” the family’s statement read, adding that it can take years to get a proper diagnosis.
“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.”
The statement was posted on the website of the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration and signed by Willis’s wife, Emma Heming Willis, his ex-wife Demi Moore and his five children, Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel and Evelyn.
Over a 40-year career, Willis’s movies earned more than $5bn at the worldwide box office. While beloved for hits like Die Hard and The Sixth Sense, the prolific actor had in recent years primarily featured in direct-to-video thrillers.
“Bruce has always found joy in life — and has helped everyone he knows to do the same,” the family said Thursday.
“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.”
