Bruce Willis has dementia, his family announces
Actor Bruce Willis has frontotemporal dementia, his family has announced.
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In a statement on social media, they said it was a "relief to finally have a clear diagnosis".
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The 67-year-old was diagnosed with aphasia - which causes difficulties with speech - in spring last year, but this has progressed and he has been given a more specific diagnosis, the family said.
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They expressed their "deepest gratitude for the incredible outpouring of love".
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The family went on to say frontotemporal dementia is the most common form of dementia in people under 60.
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"Today there are no treatments for the disease, a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead,"Â the statement said.
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Willis became a household name in the 1980s and 90s after starring in blockbuster films such as Die Hard, The Sixth Sense, Armageddon and Pulp Fiction.
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He has also been nominated for five Golden Globes - winning one for Moonlighting - and also three Emmys, where he won two.
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But his family said last year that Willis would give up acting, as his aphasia was affecting his cognitive abilities.
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The new statement on Thursday said they hoped media attention would raise awareness of the actor's condition.
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It said: "Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately.
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"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."
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The statement was signed by members of Willis's family including his wife Emma Heming - with whom he has two daughters - and his former wife Demi Moore and their three daughters.
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US journalist Maria Shriver, a prominent campaigner for brain disorder patient care and research, tweeted: "My heart goes out to Bruce Willis and his family, & also my gratitude for shining a much needed light on this disease.
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"When people step forward it helps all of us. When people get a diagnosis it's extremely difficult, but also for most a relief to get a diagnosis."
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Aaron Paul, who starred in America's Breaking Bad TV crime drama, said Willis was "such a damn legend", adding: "Love you so much my friend!"
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US singer and actress Queen Latifah wrote in a post on Instagram: "God bless you my brother we love you!!! all the best. Thank you and your family for all the entertainment!!!"
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Actress Selma Blair, who has multiple sclerosis, simply wrote: "Sending love."
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According to the UK NHS website, frontotemporal dementia is an "uncommon" form of the disease that causes the sufferer problems with behaviour and language.
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Symptoms also include slow or stiff movements, loss of bladder or bowel control - although this tends to be later on - and muscle weakness.
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Russell, B. R. (2023, February 17). Bruce Willis has dementia, his family announces. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-64670521