Actor Bruce Willis’ family has issued one statement where they tell that he has suffered from dementia. “Although it is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis,” they write.
It was during Thursday that Bruce Willis’ wife, Emma Heming Willis, published a post on Instagram where she wrote that the actor has suffered from dementia.
Suffered from frontal lobe dementia
In the post, Emma refers to a longer statement in which the family explains in more detail about Bruce’s condition. In the statement, the family thanks the public for the support they received after last year’s aphasia diagnosis:
“Your generosity has been overwhelming, and we are incredibly grateful for it. Out of your kindness, and because we know you love Bruce as much as we do, we wanted to give you an update,” they write.
The family writes that Willis’ condition has worsened since he was diagnosed with aphasia last spring. He has now been diagnosed with frontal lobe dementia.
“Although painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis,” the statement reads.
Bruce Willis and Emma Heming Willis married in 2009 and have two daughters together, Evelyn and Mabel. Bruce also has three daughters with his ex-wife Demi Moore: Tallulah, Scout, and Rumer.
Facts about frontal lobe dementia
Frontal lobe dementia, also called frontal lobe dementia or frontotemporal dementia, is the third most common dementia. The disease is characterized by the fact that the brain damage is mainly in the front part of the brain in the frontal lobes.
In the same way as in Alzheimer’s disease, the symptoms often come on stealthily, but memory and learning ability are usually not affected to the same extent in frontotemporal dementia. As the brain damage spreads, the symptoms become more and more serious. The disease often begins in the 50s to 60s.
Symptoms:
– Behavioral changes: personality change, egocentric, poor or no disease insight, mental rigidity, lack of judgment as well as irritation and aggressiveness.
– Emotional signs: emotional dullness, poor facial expressions, lack of spontaneity, and anxiety and depression.
– Language disorders: reduced spontaneous speech, imitating others and repeating phrases.
There is currently no specific treatment for frontotemporal dementia, however secondary symptoms such as depression, anxiety and sleep disturbance can be treated.
Sources: The knowledge guide, Swedish Dementia Centre, Alzheimer’s Foundation
