'Die Hard' star Bruce Willis diagnosed with untreatable frontotemporal dementia
Veteran Hollywood actor Bruce Willis, who has been a part of several successful films such as Die Hard, The Sixth Sense, and Death Becomes Her, has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), his family revealed through an official statement on Thursday (February 16). The family has also revealed that this condition is "painful" and "untreatable." We pray for his recovery and good health.
'Bruce's condition has progressed,' informed the family
The Willis family's statement has been posted on the website of The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration. "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. Unfortunately, [communication challenges] are just one symptom of [Bruce's disease]. While this is painful, it is a relief to have a clear diagnosis."
FTD can happen to anyone, prevalent among people under 60
The statement further elaborated upon FTD. "FTD is a cruel disease that many of us have never heard of and can strike anyone. For people under 60, FTD is [dementia's most common form] and because getting the diagnosis [takes years], FTD is likely more prevalent than we know. Today there are no treatments, a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead."
Take a look at the statement here
Last year, Willis was diagnosed with aphasia
Last Summer, Willis's family had announced that the veteran plans to retire from acting following an aphasia diagnosis, which impacts one's cognitive abilities. His former wife and actor Demi Moore made the announcement. Notably, when a person is diagnosed with aphasia, the expression and understanding of language and reading/writing functions get impaired. Most often, the cause is sudden, like a stroke or head injury.
FTD attacks one's personality, behavior, and linguistic abilities
Per Mayo Clinic, "Frontotemporal dementia is an umbrella term for a group of brain disorders that primarily affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. These areas of the brain are generally associated with personality, behavior, and language." "Frontotemporal dementia's [patients] have dramatic [personality changes] and become socially inappropriate, impulsive or emotionally indifferent, while others lose the ability to use language properly."
Take a look at Willis's career, notable projects, and honors
Willis is credited with appearing in over a hundred films in his successful Hollywood career. Some of his most notable works, other than the ones mentioned above, are 12 Monkeys, Moonlighting, Pulp Fiction, Red, Red 2, Unbreakable, and Looper. He's also the recipient of two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe, among other honors. He was last seen in Detective Knight: Independence.
