Bruce Willis’ health explained as he suffers from dementia with ‘slim’ options

Bruce Willis’, 68, dementia prognosis changed earlier this year when an expert confirmed there are “no treatment options” for the Hollywood icon.

His family confirmed last year that he had been diagnosed with a rare form of dementia called frontotemporal dementia (known as FTD), after previously suffering from language disorder aphasia.

Several doctors have come forward to Mirror US to share what symptoms people should look out for, while also explaining how different the disease is from Alzheimer’s.

Dr Jim Jackson, neuropsychologist and research professor at Vanderbilt Medical Center revealed a number of “subtle” changes to watch out for if you detect the illness.

He said: “Unlike the best-known form of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, which is typically characterized by early changes in memory, FTD is marked by early changes in behaviour – sometimes subtle but often dramatic.”

Dr Jackson also explained the subtle symptoms to look out for including “antisocial ways”, “disinterest in things”, “impairments of judgement” and also “problems in language”.

He admitted that the condition can often go undetected with symptoms resembling those of other conditions, including depression.

Founder of Marama, Dr Heather Sandison, added: “The earliest signs are typically changes in personality. This makes it hard to spot and sometimes is misdiagnosed as a psychological disorder.”

Bruce’s wife Emma Heming Willis, his ex-wife Demi Moore and children Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel and Evelyn have all been their father’s biggest support.

At the time of his FTD diagnosis, the family shared a detailed statement with the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration.

It read: “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).

“Unfortunately, challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease Bruce faces. While this is painful, finally having a clear diagnosis is a relief.”

Aphasia is a language disorder caused by damage to parts of the brain that control speech, while FTD is characterised as the result of damage to neurons in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.

Symptoms of the rare condition the Hollywood star has includes unusual behaviours, emotional problems, trouble communicating, difficulty with work, and difficulty with walking.

A few weeks ago, Bruce’s wife Emma spoke out and said: “When you live in the world of dementia you know that options are slim.”

Since the fresh update on Bruce’s health, his wife Emma has dedicated her time to raising awareness around his diagnosis, with her vowing to never forget her husband’s glowing career and accomplishments.

In June, Emma took her daughters, Mabel, 11, and Evelyn, nine, to their father’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star as well as to see his waxwork in Madame Tussauds.