The family of US actor Bruce Willis has announced his previous diagnosis of the cognitive condition aphasia has developed into frontotemporal dementia (FTD). In an update shared online, the family said they had the “deepest gratitude for the incredible outpouring of love” following the initial news.
Relatives of the 67-year-old previously said he would be “stepping away” from his successful acting career after being diagnosed with aphasia – a condition that affects cognitive abilities – in March last year. The Hollywood actor has starred in many hit films including the Die Hard franchise, Pulp Fiction, The Sixth Sense, 12 Monkeys and Armageddon.
In a post shared on Instagram on Thursday (February 16), Willis’ daughter Rumer offered an update on her father’s health, confirming his condition has “progressed” and he had been given the “more specific” diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia. Here, we take a closer look at the condition.
READ MORE: Urgent police appeal as 12-year-old Manchester girl not seen for days
What is frontotemporal dementia?
According to the NHS, FTD is an “uncommon” form of dementia that causes problems with behaviour and language, and is most common in people between the ages of 45 and 65. The charity Dementia UK says that FTD affects around one in 20 people with a dementia diagnosis.
Like other types of the disease, FTD tends to develop slowly and get gradually worse over several years. The average survival time after symptoms start is around eight to 10 years, but this is highly variable and some people live much longer.
Discover, learn, grow. We are Curiously. Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
What causes frontotemporal dementia?
FTD is caused by clumps of abnormal protein forming inside brain cells. These are thought to damage the cells and stop them working properly.
The proteins mainly build up in the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes – areas which are important for controlling language, behaviour, and the ability to plan and organise. There is often a genetic link to FTD, with around one in eight of those diagnosed having relatives who were also affected by the condition.
How quickly FTD gets worse varies from person to person and is difficult to predict.
What are the symptoms of frontotemporal dementia?
The NHS lists several symptoms of FTD:
- Personality and behaviour changes, such as acting inappropriately or impulsively, appearing selfish or unsympathetic, neglecting personal hygiene, overeating, or loss of motivation.
- Language problems, including speaking slowly, struggling to make the right sounds when saying a word, saying words in the wrong order, or using words incorrectly.
- Problems with mental abilities like getting distracted easily or struggling with planning and organisation.
- Memory problems, which tend to occur later on unlike more common forms of dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease.
FTD can also cause physical problems, such as slow or stiff movements, loss of bladder or bowel control, muscle weakness or difficulty swallowing.
Is there a cure for frontotemporal dementia?
There is yet to be a cure for FTD or any treatment that will slow it down, but there are treatments that can help control some of the symptoms. These include medicines, therapies such as physiotherapy and speech and language therapy, and dementia activities like memory cafes.
Support groups are also available to offer tips on managing symptoms from dementia experts and people living with FTD, and their families. People with a family history of FTD can be referred to a geneticist and have a genetic test to see if they are at risk.
The NHS and social services – as well as voluntary organisations and specialist support groups – can provide advice and support for those affected.
READ NEXT:
- 'It's absolutely ridiculous...' staff fuming after company tells them to move to Romania or risk losing their job
- 'I cried for hours' - Elderly residents left in 'freezing temperatures' for weeks without heating
- Alleged murderer stabbed girlfriend after she asked if he was seeing other women, trial hears
Married officer facing jail after sleeping with vulnerable domestic abuse victim and sexting another
Scandal-rocked mental health services hit with 'inadequate' rating as hospital wards branded unsafe
