[Eternally Solo]

Bruce Willis' family announce he has dementia: Die Hard star, 67, is diagnosed with degenerative brain disorder less than one year after he retired from acting suffering from aphasia

Bruce Willis' family have revealed the actor has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) - less than one year after he retired from acting due to his battle with brain disorder, aphasia.

The Hollywood icon, 67, withdrew from acting last year as he began his fight with the illness that caused his language abilities to deteriorate - and now his condition has 'progressed' according to a joint statement from his family on Thursday.

FTD affects the lobes of the brain behind the forehead, which deal with behavior, problem-solving, planning and emotions - with symptoms including personality changes, obsessive behavior and speaking difficulties.

The statement, from his wife Emma Heming, ex-wife Demi Moore and five daughters and posted on The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration's website read: 'Our family wanted to start by expressing our deepest gratitude for the incredible outpouring of love, support and wonderful stories we have all received since sharing Bruce’s original diagnosis.

'In the spirit of that, we wanted to give you an update about our beloved husband, father and friend since we now have a deeper understanding of what he is experiencing.

'Since we announced Bruce’s diagnosis of aphasia in spring 2022, Bruce’s condition has progressed and we now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia (known as FTD).

'Unfortunately, challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease Bruce faces. While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis.

'FTD is a cruel disease that many of us have never heard of and can strike anyone. For people under 60, FTD is the most common form of dementia, and because getting the diagnosis can take years, FTD is likely much more prevalent than we know.

'Today there are no treatments for the disease, a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead. 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.

'Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately.

'We know in our hearts that – if he could today -- he would want to respond by bringing global attention and a connectedness with those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease and how it impacts so many individuals and their families.

'Ours is just one family with a loved one who suffers from FTD, and we encourage others facing it to seek out the wealth of information and support available through AFTD (@theaftd, theaftd.org).

'And for those of you who have been fortunate enough to not have any personal experience with FTD, we hope that you will take the time to learn about it, and support AFTD’s mission in whatever way you can.

DAILYMAIL

[v1r]

Just read the news. Sad ending.

[hughjardon67]

Very sad. And yes, Die Hard is indeed a Christmas movie.

[Eternally Solo]

Originally Posted by hughjardon67 ↗

Very sad. And yes, Die Hard is indeed a Christmas movie.

He would seriously give you a "comin' to Jesus" talk about that

[Pyramid_Head]

So fucking sad, life is truly unfair and doesn't care who you are. Hopefully he doesn't have a horrible time fighting it.

[Deepwater Horizon]

Sad.

[spycosis]

Guy goes to the doctors, and after all the tests the doc says, "It's bad news I'm afraid. You've got cancer and you've got Alzheimer's disease." And the guy says "Ok, that's bad, but at least I haven't got cancer"