Actor Bruce Willis has frontotemporal dementia, according to his family.
They posted a message on social media saying it was “relieving to finally have a precise diagnosis.”
The 67-year-aphasia, old’s which impairs speech, was initially identified in the spring of last year, but as the condition worsened, a more precise diagnosis was made, according to the family.
Their “deepest thanks for the overwhelming outpouring of love” was expressed.
The family continued by saying that frontotemporal dementia is the most prevalent type of dementia among those under the age of 60.
According to the statement, “there are currently no cures for the condition, a situation that we hope can change in the years to come.
Willis rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s as a result of his roles in popular movies like Die Hard, The Sixth Sense, Armageddon, and Pulp Fiction.
He has also received five Golden Globe nominations, winning one for Moonlighting, and three Emmy nominations, winning two.
Although his aphasia was impairing his cognitive abilities, his family announced last year that Willis would stop performing.
In the updated statement released on Thursday, it was expressed that the group hoped publicity would draw attention to the actor’s health issues.
According to the statement, Bruce “always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important topics both publicly and privately.”
We have no doubt that, if he could, he would want to respond by drawing attention to the issue and forging connections with those who share his plight in regards to the disease’s devastating effects on so many people and their families.”
Members of Willis’ family, including his wife Emma Heming, with whom he shares two kids, and his ex-wife Demi Moore, along with their three daughters, all signed the statement.
“My heart goes out to Bruce Willis and his family, and also my thanks for raising a much needed focus on this condition,” tweeted American journalist Maria Shriver, a well-known advocate for brain disorder patient care and research.
We all benefit when individuals speak up. It is incredibly tough for many to receive a diagnosis, but for the majority, it is also a relief.”
The actor who played Aaron Paul in the American crime drama Breaking Bad called Willis “such a damn icon” and added, “Love you so much dear friend!”
American singer-actress Queen Latifah posted the following on Instagram: “We adore you, my brother, and may God bless you! best wishes I appreciate all the enjoyment you and your family provided.”
Multiple sclerosis sufferer and actress Selma Blair simply wrote, “Sending love.”
Frontotemporal dementia, which affects behavior and language, is a “uncommon” form of the disease, according to the UK NHS website. Furthermore, slow or stiff movements, loss of bladder or bowel control, though this typically occurs later, and muscle weakness are symptoms
