Action movie star Bruce Willis has been diagnosed with a type of dementia, his family has announced today (February 16). The announcement that the 67-year-old has Frontotemporal Dementia was made by the actor's family on social media.
The dad-of-five was diagnosed with aphasia in spring 2022. Thanking fans for their support, his wife Emma said that his condition has now progressed.
Willis’ family explained the condition in a statement on the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration website in which they acknowledged frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a “cruel disease” and “can strike anyone”. The family added that they hoped media attention on the actor’s condition would raise awareness, reports PA.
“FTD is a cruel disease that many of us have never heard of and can strike anyone,” their statement read.
“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.”
So what exactly is FTD? According to the NHS, frontotemporal dementia is an uncommon type of dementia that causes problems with behaviour and language.
What is FTD?
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.
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What are FTD's symptoms?
According to the NHS, signs of frontotemporal dementia can include:
- Personality and behaviour changes – acting inappropriately or impulsively, appearing selfish or unsympathetic, neglecting personal hygiene, overeating, or loss of motivation
- Language problems – speaking slowly, struggling to make the right sounds when saying a word, getting words in the wrong order, or using words incorrectly
- Problems with mental abilities – getting distracted easily, struggling with planning and organisation
- Memory problems – these only tend to occur later on, unlike more common forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease
There may also be physical problems, such as slow or stiff movements, loss of bladder or bowel control (usually not until later on), muscle weakness difficulty swallowing. These problems can make daily activities increasingly difficult, and the person may eventually be unable to look after themselves.
