Bruce Willis has been diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia, his family says. The announcement was made by the actor's family on social media.
The Hollywood star was diagnosed with aphasia in spring 2022. Thanking fans for their support, his wife Emma said that his condition has now progressed.
The diagnosis which he has now been given is frontotemporal dementia. In these cases, Emma said, "challenges with communication are just one symptom".
In a statement on social media, Emma said: "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."
According the the NHS, frontotemporal dementia is an uncommon type of dementia that causes problems with behaviour and language.
"Dementia is the name for problems with mental abilities caused by gradual changes and damage in the brain. Frontotemporal dementia affects the front and sides of the brain (the frontal and temporal lobes).
"Dementia mostly affects people over 65, but frontotemporal dementia tends to start at a younger age. Most cases are diagnosed in people aged 45-65, although it can also affect younger or older people. Like other types of dementia, frontotemporal dementia tends to develop slowly and get gradually worse over several years."
The Die Hard star is 67 years old. He has five children, including actor Rumer Willis.
