Frail 67-year-old American actor Bruce Willis, who was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) last month, has been spotted in public for the first time since his family made the announcement.
On Thursday (March 2), he was seen out and about in Santa Monica with two friends.
Last year, Willis had announced his retirement from acting due to being diagnosed with aphasia, which led to a decline in his language abilities. His family confirmed in a joint statement on February 16 that his condition had since advanced to dementia.
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Bruce Willis, who was accompanied by two unidentified friends, was spotted wearing a blue sweater, black joggers, and a woolen hat as they went out for coffee during their outing in California.
Check out below, pictures and photos from their outing.
Bruce Willis steps out: watch the video of the actor and friends as they went outing below. NO SOUND!
Bruce Willis diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia: This new sad news was made known to the public by the actor’s wife, Emma Heming Willis on Thursday (February 16).
Teken to her official and verified Instagram handle, she shared a photograph of her husband, Bruce, and announced that his condition has worsened as he has now also been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (known as FTD).
Her full statement reads;
“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,” Emma wrote. “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),” she continued. “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.”
“Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately,” she said. “We know in our hearts that – if he could today — he would want to respond by bringing global attention and a connectedness with those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease and how it impacts so many individuals and their families.”
“Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately. We know in our hearts that – if he could today — he would want to respond by bringing global attention and a connectedness with those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease and how it impacts so many individuals and their families.
“Ours is just one family with a loved one who suffers from FTD, and we encourage others facing it to seek out the wealth of information and support available through AFTD (@theaftd, theaftd.org). And for those of you who have been fortunate enough to not have any personal experience with FTD, we hope that you will take the time to learn about it, and support AFTD’s mission in whatever way you can.
“Bruce has always found joy in life – and has helped everyone he knows to do the same. It has meant the world to see that sense of care echoed back to him and to all of us. We have been so moved by the love you have all shared for our dear husband, father, and friend during this difficult time. Your continued compassion, understanding, and respect will enable us to help Bruce live as full a life as possible.”
What Is Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)?
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.
What Is Aphasia?
Aphasia is a language disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate. It can occur suddenly after a stroke or head injury, but it may also develop slowly, as the result of a brain tumor or a progressive neurological disease.
Aphasia affects a person’s ability to express and understand written and spoken language. Once the underlying cause is treated, the main treatment for aphasia is speech therapy.
The health condition mostly affects people who are mainly middle-aged or older, but anyone can acquire it, including young children.
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