Bruce Willis has dementia, family announces

The family of actor Bruce Willis has announced that he has frontotemporal dementia.

In a statement on social media, they said it was “a relief to finally have a definitive diagnosis”.

The 67-year-old man is diagnosed with aphasia — which caused speech difficulties — last spring, but the condition progressed and he was given a more specific diagnosis, his family said.

They expressed their “deepest thanks for the outpouring of incredible love”.

The family went on to say that frontotemporal dementia is the most common form of dementia in people under the age of 60.

“There is no cure for this disease today, and we hope to change that reality in the coming years,” the statement said.

Willis became a household name after starring in blockbusters Die Hard, The Sixth Sense, Armageddon and Pulp Fiction in the 1980s and 1990s.

He’s also been nominated for five Golden Globes — one for “Moonlight” — and three Emmys, of which he won two.

But his family said last year that Willis would give up acting because his aphasia affected his cognitive abilities.

The new statement on Thursday said they hoped the media attention would raise awareness of the actor’s condition.

It said: “Bruce has always believed in using his voice in the world to help others and raise awareness on issues of importance both publicly and privately.

“We know in our hearts that if he can today, he wants to respond by bringing global attention and connecting with those who are also grappling with this debilitating disease and how it affects so many individuals and their families. “

The statement was signed by Willis’ family, including his wife Emma Hemming – with whom he has two daughters – as well as his ex-wife Demi Moore and their three daughters.

American journalist Maria Shriver, a prominent activist for the care and research of patients with brain disorders, tweeted: “My heart goes out to Bruce Willis and his family , also for their much-needed enlightenment on this disease.

“When people come forward, it helps us all. When people get a diagnosis, it’s extremely difficult, but for most people, getting a diagnosis is also a relief.”

Aaron Paul, who starred in the American drama Breaking Bad crime drama, said Willis was “a damn legend,” adding: “Love you so much, my friend!”

American singer and actress Queen Latifah posted on Instagram: “God bless you my brother we love you!!! All the best. Thank you and your family for all the entertainment!!!”

Actress Selma Blair, who has multiple sclerosis, simply wrote: “Sending love.”

according to UK NHS websitefrontotemporal dementia is an “uncommon” disorder that causes behavioral and language problems in patients.

Symptoms also include slow or stiff movements, loss of bladder or bowel control — although this often happens later — and muscle weakness.