Bruce Willis, 68, was recently diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), after aphasia, a language disorder, was detected in 2022. Now, his wife, Emma Hemming Willis, has spoken for the first time in the media about communication about her husband's health and the daily fight he faces against this neurodegenerative disease.
In an emotional interview on the Today show, Emma shared details about how dementia has impacted the lives of Bruce and his family. "It's hard to know if Bruce is aware of what's happening to him," she revealed through tears. "Dementia is hard, that's what I'm learning. It's hard on the patient and it's hard on the family, on Bruce and on our daughters, Mabel, 11, and Evelyn, 8," she added.
The 45-year-old former British model has used her platform to raise awareness about frontotemporal dementia and shared her experience as Bruce's primary caregiver. "I have to make a conscious effort every day to live the best life possible. I do it for myself, for our two daughters and for Bruce, who wouldn't want me to live any other way," she said.
FTD is a disease that affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, responsible for personality, behavior and language. This condition became known a year after the actor known for the Die Hard or Armagueddon saga was detected with aphasia, a language disorder,
The lack of a cure and treatment for frontotemporal dementia has prompted Emma to advocate for greater awareness of this disease, which is the third most common cause of neurodegenerative dementia, after Alzheimer's and dementia with Lewy bodies. The couple has sought the support of top medical professionals and has hired a personal assistant to ensure Bruce receives the necessary care.
"Understanding what was happening, being able to accept what is, doesn't make it any less painful, but just being... aware of what's happening to Bruce makes it a little bit easier," he said, referring to by knowing the origin of the actor's problem.
In the midst of sadness and struggle, Emma has focused her energy on providing love, patience and resilience to her family while raising awareness about frontotemporal dementia. "When we don't take care of ourselves, we are not good for the people we love," she concluded.
