No products in the cart.
After His Aphasia Prompted His Retirement, Bruce Willis Has Now Been Diagnosed With Dementia, Indicating A Further Decline In His Cognitive Health
After announcing his retirement from acting due to aphasia earlier in 2022, Bruce Willis’ family has now revealed that he has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). In a statement posted on the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration’s website, Willis’ family shared that FTD, which is often diagnosed at a younger age than other forms of dementia, is characterized by personality changes, speech difficulty and motor impairment. The disease affects 10% to 20% of all dementia diagnoses, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Willis’ career in acting spanned over four decades and included iconic roles in films like “Die Hard,” “Pulp Fiction,” and “The Sixth Sense.” With worldwide box office grosses exceeding $5 billion, he has been nominated for numerous awards, including five Golden Globes, of which he won one for “Moonlighting,” and three Emmys, of which he won two.
The family expressed gratitude for the support they have received from the public and thanked everyone for their love and compassion towards Bruce during his illness. They also shared their hope that any media attention around his diagnosis can be used to raise awareness about FTD and the need for more research and treatments for the disease.
In the case of Bruce Willis, it is especially heartbreaking to see someone who was once such a vibrant and active figure now struggling with these challenges. His retirement from acting due to aphasia was already a difficult blow, but the news of his dementia diagnosis only adds to the sadness.
What is frontotemporal dementia?
FTD is a cruel disease that can strike anyone, and for people under 60, it is the most common form of dementia. It is a debilitating disease that affects not only the individual but also their families. As Willis’ condition advances, his family is committed to helping him live as full a life as possible with continued compassion, understanding, and respect.
In the face of this devastating news, Willis’ family highlighted his commitment to using his voice to raise awareness about important issues and expressed their belief that he would want to respond to his diagnosis by bringing global attention to FTD and its impact on individuals and their families.
One way to show support is through thoughtful gifts that can help make life a little easier for someone with dementia. Here are a few ideas:
Memory aids: Memory aids can include items like calendars, sticky notes, and pill boxes that can help someone with dementia keep track of important information and tasks.
Comfort items: Comfort items like blankets, pillows, and soft toys can provide a sense of comfort and security to someone with dementia, especially during times of confusion or distress.
Music and other sensory items: Music can be a powerful tool for helping people with dementia connect with memories and emotions, so consider gifting CDs or playlists of their favorite songs. Other sensory items like scented candles or fidget toys can also be helpful.
Technology: There are a growing number of apps and devices designed to help people with dementia, from reminder apps to GPS tracking devices. Consider gifting a tablet or other device with dementia-friendly apps installed.
Although gifts may not provide a solution to the obstacles brought about by dementia, they can still serve as a heartfelt gesture of support and compassion towards those affected by this condition. As for Bruce Willis, we can only trust that he has a robust system of support and access to the necessary resources to help him through this trying period.