By: William Conlin
Bruce Willis was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, as disclosed by his family about a year ago. Unlike other forms of dementia, Willis' sickness, sometimes referred to as FTD, is a degenerative condition that predominantly impairs behavior and communication.
Aphasia, a condition in which a person has difficulty speaking, writing, and understanding others, was one of the actor's initial signs of the illness. In 2022, he announced his retirement from acting due to the symptoms of his sickness.
“Dementia is hard... it’s hard on the person diagnosed, it’s also hard on the family. And that is no different for Bruce, or myself, or our girls," Bruce Willis' wife, Heming Willis said.
This kind of dementia affects functions regulated by the frontal or temporal lobes of the brain due to loss of nerve cells in these regions. Aphasia is a common symptom of the illness, which is why Willis was initially diagnosed with it. It may also have an impact on a person's judgment, emotions, personality, and behaviors. Walking is one of the motor skills that may be impacted by frontotemporal dementia.
Protein buildup in the brain causes the nerve loss associated with frontotemporal dementia. Genetics may play a role in this, but it's not the only explanation. This part of the brain can sustain damage from traumatic head injuries, which can result in the illness. Although lifestyle variables may affect a person's risk of getting other types of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, it is unknown if they also contribute to frontotemporal dementia. It is unknown what causes frontotemporal dementia in the vast majority of cases.
The majority of individuals with frontotemporal dementia are between the ages of forty and sixty. While Alzheimer's can be diagnosed in this age range, it is more frequently diagnosed later in life, and the likelihood of getting the disease rises with age. Alzheimer's disease is more likely to initially induce memory loss, whereas frontotemporal dementia is more likely to initially affect language and conduct. The two illnesses may eventually have similar symptoms.
“ It is horrible to see the negative impacts this disease has had on Bruce Willis and his family. I think it's good that his family is unifying behind him. Even his ex-wife Demi Moore,” NHS Junior Sam Grasso said.
Starring in the ABC comedy-drama series Moonlighting (1985–1989), Willis rose to stardom. For this role, he was nominated twice for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series and three times for a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy. He played John McClane in the 1988 action movie Die Hard, which led to four more films and made him a household name across the globe.
Willis has also starred in a number of numerous films such as The Fifth Element (1997), and Armageddon (1998). In 1999, he starred as Dr. Malcolm Crowe in the critically acclaimed The Sixth Sense (1999), which earned six Academy Award nominations. Willis also did some more television work with his guest appearance on Friends in 2000 earned his third Emmy nomination, this time for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series.
“I hope that Bruce Willis is still able to live for a significant amount of time, so he can be there for his family as long as possible. As well as celebrating him for all the wonderful roles he has played over the years,” NHS Junior Stephen Verashagen said.