Bruce Willis’ wife suggested that the actor can no longer speak due to his illness

Emma Heming Willis honors the actor’s battle with frontotemporal dementia and celebrates the support received from fans around the world (Getty Images)

Emma Heming, Bruce Willis’ wife, is continuing her intense awareness campaign about frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a condition that has affected the renowned actor since February 2023. In this regard, she uses her social networks to report on awareness and fundraising efforts aimed at combating this disease.

One of the most notable initiatives is that of basketball player Spencer Cline and his future brother-in-law Paul, who have embarked on a bicycle trip across the United States. This project seeks to raise funds and awareness about FTD.

Emma Heming used her social media to raise awareness about frontotemporal dementia, a disease that affects Bruce Willis (Instagram/@emmahemingwillis)

“This is crazy! But that’s the effect FTD has on us. It makes us passionate and motivated to work for change and to be seen. Let me tell you something, we see you Spencer and Paul! I can also see that you’re getting media coverage!”

Heming Willis has decided to sponsor this trip with a dollar for every mile traveled. And she thought her husband would like to send them well wishes: “I can only imagine what Bruce would say: ‘I hope you remember to hydrate. ’ I second that. Stay strong and stay safe out there. I’m so proud of you.”

These latest statements by Heming have led several users to theorize that Bruce is no longer able to articulate words, because despite being with his wife practically all the time, it seems that he was not able to share a precise message with Cline and his brother-in-law. So far, Heming has not responded to these theories.

“I could breathe. I could exhale and feel a weight lift off my shoulders,” Heming said after announcing her husband’s illness (Getty Images)

Speaking at the 2024 AFTD Education Conference on May 3, Emma Heming discussed the positive impact that going public with Bruce’s diagnosis had on her family.

“I could breathe. I could exhale and feel a weight lifted off my shoulders,” she said, mentioning that this revelation allowed them to seek the necessary support.

Frontotemporal dementia is a neurological disorder that primarily affects the frontal and temporal areas of the brain. This condition is characterized by a variety of symptoms, including difficulties in communication, changes in social behavior, impaired decision-making, and problems with planning and organizing daily activities. FTD is the most common form of dementia in people under 60 years of age.

Emma Heming’s social media tribute highlights the strength of her relationship with Bruce Willis despite the challenges of illness (Instagram/@demimoore/@buuski)

In early March, Emma Heming criticized the way the press portrays neurocognitive diseases. “I need society to stop scaring people into thinking that once they get a diagnosis of some kind of neurocognitive disease that’s it,” she said in a video on her social media.

Through her platform Make Time, she has focused on brain health, especially in women, highlighting the importance of community support among caregivers.

“Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others and raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately,” Emma said. “We know in our hearts that if he could today, he would want to respond by bringing attention to the world and connecting with those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease and how it affects so many people and their families.”

Bruce Willis has been battling frontotemporal dementia since February 2023, a condition that primarily affects his ability to communicate and behave (Shutterstock)

She also said that the actor “has always found joy in life and has helped everyone he meets to do the same.” Therefore, she considers the support and affection they receive from other people to be significant.

“We have been so touched by the love that everyone has shared for our beloved husband, father and friend during this difficult time. Your continued compassion, understanding and respect will allow us to help Bruce live as full a life as possible,” she said.

Heming Willis shared a tribute on social media that highlights the strength of their relationship despite the challenges they face. “There is sadness and pain… But you start a new chapter,” he said in one of his posts.

Before FTD, Bruce Willis was diagnosed with aphasia, which significantly affected his ability to communicate (Instagram/Tallulah Willis)

Prior to his FTD diagnosis, Bruce Willis was diagnosed with aphasia, a condition that affects the ability to communicate. Since then, the family has received widespread support from fans and followers.

Emma Heming said that being an advocate for this cause has offered her a sense of power and control in her life: “Being able to use my voice for my family and be of service to the next family is empowering and has made this journey bearable.”

Willis’ wife emphasized that community and mutual support among caregivers is essential to confront these types of diseases. “Community is everything,” she said. With these actions, she seeks to change the perception of FTD and other neurocognitive diseases, offering a message of hope and strength.