Bruce Willis’ family members now have a better understanding of his diagnosis of aphasia. On Thursday, his wife Emma Heming Willis, ex-wife Demi Moore, and their daughters Rumer Willis, Scout Willis, and Tallulah Willis shared a photo of him on the beach with the same caption signed by “Ladies of Willis/Moore”.
The blended and bonded family made an announcement about Bruce’s aphasia diagnosis in March 2022, and they stated that he would be retiring from acting. In the caption of their post, they expressed their deepest gratitude for the immense love, support, and wonderful stories they have received from everyone since Bruce’s diagnosis was made public. They went on to say that since they now have a more profound understanding of what he is going through, they wanted to provide an update on his condition.
In their words, “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).” According to Mayo Clinic, FTD is an umbrella term for a group of brain disorders that primarily affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. These areas are generally associated with personality, behavior, and language.
The statement continued by saying that while communication challenges are just one of the symptoms of the disease Bruce is facing, it is still painful. However, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis. In frontotemporal dementia, portions of these lobes atrophy, and people can have “dramatic changes in their personalities.” The symptoms vary depending on which part of the brain is affected, but the website states that people can become impulsive or emotionally indifferent, while others lose the ability to use language properly.
Bruce is a father of five, and he shares Mabel Ray (10) and Evelyn Penn Willis (8) with his wife, Emma. Their love story is both inspiring and beautiful. In December, Emma shared a special and rare look into their love story, posting old footage from their first winter together 15 years ago. She wrote, “It was that winter, 15 years ago, I fell head over heels in love with him,” adding the hashtag #loveofmylife.
One of the most admirable things about the couple’s relationship is the maturity and respect they have as a modern family. Moore, Bruce’s ex-wife and the mother of three of his children, has always been a special part of their life.
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When Bruce’s aphasia diagnosis was announced, the statement was from all the women in his life. They wrote, “We are moving through this as a strong family unit and wanted to bring his fans in because we know how much he means to you, as you do to him. As Bruce always says, ‘Live it up,’ and together we plan to do just that.”
