Bruce Willis, the iconic actor who starred in such hit films as Die Hard and Armageddon, has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The actor has been struggling with aphasia, a language disorder, for some time, and his family recently announced that his condition has progressed to FTD.
FTD is a type of dementia that can affect language, behavior, or movement. Aphasia is a language disorder that affects the ability to produce or comprehend language and is often a symptom of FTD. In March, Willis's family announced he would be “stepping away from his career for the sake of his health and well-being.”
Demi Moore, Willis's ex-wife, wrote on Instagram that “Bruce has been dealing with aphasia for some time now and it's been very difficult. Since we announced Bruce's diagnosis of aphasia in March, Bruce has been under the care of a team of doctors and specialists who have been providing him with the best possible treatment and care."
Willis's family has requested privacy during this difficult time. Kevin Smith, the filmmaker and actor, said “Bruce Willis' family has asked for privacy during this challenging time, and I ask that we all respect that.”
The Razzies, an awards show that recognizes the worst performances in movies, featured a special “worst performance by Bruce Willis in a 2021 Movie” category. This was in recognition of the actor's difficult diagnosis.
The New York Attorney General's office released a report which said that “FTD can affect verbal communication, behavior, and movement. The symptoms of FTD can worsen over time and can cause difficulty performing everyday activities.”
MSNBC television anchor Rachel Maddow is moderating a “Perspectives on National Security” panel in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This panel is discussing the current state of national security and what steps can be taken to protect the nation from any potential threats.
For Willis and his family, it's a heartbreaking time. While the family has requested privacy, Willis's fans and supporters are sending their love and best wishes.
