Bruce Willis health update: Wife Emma says it's hard to know if actor understands his dementia

Bruce Willis' wife opens up about his frontotemporal dementia diagnosis, highlighting the challenges and impact on their family.

Bruce Willis' wife, Emma Heming Willis, recently opened up about her husband's diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in an interview with Hoda Kotb on the "Today" show. Emma discussed her role as a "care partner" and shed light on the disease during World Frontotemporal Dementia Awareness Week.

For Emma, understanding Bruce's condition has been both a blessing and a curse. It has allowed her to come to terms with what he is going through, but it doesn't make it any less painful. However, being aware of the disease has made it slightly easier for her to navigate this challenging journey.

Unfortunately, there is currently no treatment or cure for FTD. Susan Dickinson, CEO of the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, explained during the interview that the disease can be passed on genetically in about 20-25% of cases, but it can also occur sporadically without a known cause.

Diagnosing FTD can be difficult because it often mimics other conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, Alzheimer's Disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It can take up to four years for someone to receive a proper diagnosis. Dickinson emphasized that the key signs to look out for are unexplained changes in behavior, difficulty expressing thoughts, trouble finding words, and problems with decision-making or completing tasks.

Emma and Bruce Willis have two daughters together, Mabel Ray and Evelyn Penn, aged 11 and 9, respectively. Bruce also has three adult daughters from his previous marriage to Demi Moore. Emma stressed the importance of maintaining an open and honest household, wanting to eliminate any stigma or shame associated with her husband's diagnosis or any form of dementia. She also shared how their daughters have been impacted by their father's condition, emphasizing the valuable lessons of love, patience, and resilience that Bruce continues to teach them.

In conclusion, Bruce Willis' wife, Emma Heming Willis, has bravely shared their journey with frontotemporal dementia. Despite the challenges they face, they maintain a loving and supportive environment for their children. The interview serves as a reminder of the importance of raising awareness about this devastating disease and fostering understanding and compassion for those affected by it.

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