Hollywood star Bruce Willis has frontotemporal dementia, his family has announced.
In a statement on Instagram, the 67-year-old Willis’ family said doctors had “finally reached a clear diagnosis” of his illness.
The Willis family said they were “deeply grateful for the love the star has received.” “There is no cure for this disease yet, and this is a fact that we hope will change in the coming years,” the statement said.
Frontotemporal dementia affects the front and sides of the brain (the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain).
Dementia causes difficulties in mental abilities as a result of gradual changes and brain damage, and it threatens people over the age of 65.
As for frontotemporal dementia, it tends to target a younger age group, between the ages of 45 and 65, mostly.
According to the Mayo Clinic Medical Group in the United States, frontotemporal dementia is the most common type of dementia that affects people under the age of 60, but the percentage of this type does not exceed 10 to 20 percent among other types of dementia.
Bruce Willis has played many roles since the 1980s
Like other types of dementia, frontotemporal dementia tends to develop slowly and gradually worsen over a number of years.
People usually live eight to 10 years following being diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, but there are people who live longer, says James Gallagher, BBC Health and Science correspondent.
symptoms
Signs and symptoms of frontotemporal dementia vary depending on the part of the brain affected, but they can include changes in the personality and behavior of the person who also has speech difficulties and memory problems.
There are other symptoms that appear in the advanced stages of infection, and they can be physical problems, including slow or stiff movement, loss of bladder and bowel control, muscle weakness or swallowing difficulties.
retirement
In early 2022, Bruce Willis retired as an actor following being diagnosed with aphasia, a disorder in which he is unable to comprehend the correct meaning of words, in addition to having difficulties with reading and writing.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Willis family said they hoped the media would shed light on frontotemporal dementia to raise public awareness regarding it.
Willis rose to fame with his role in the comedy-drama series Moonlight opposite Sybil Shepherd
In their statement, the family said, “Bruce has always believed in the usefulness of using his voice to help others around the world, and to raise awareness of important issues, whether public or private.”
“We know in our hearts that if he might today he would draw the world’s attention to those suffering from this debilitating disease that affects so many people and their families,” she added.
The statement was signed by members of the Willis family, including his wife Emma Hemming, with whom he had two daughters; So is his ex-wife, Demi Moore, with whom he has three daughters.
Bruce Willis became a well-known face in the eighties and nineties through his participation in a series of successful films, such as “Die Hard”, “The Sixth Sense”, “Armageddon”, and others.
Bruce Willis has been nominated for a Golden Globe five times – winning one for his role in Moonlighting.
Willis has also been nominated for an Emmy Award three times – winning two.
