Bruce Willis' health deteriorated even more as the actor-musician received a new diagnosis while his aphasia worsened.
Willis' family shared a new update about his health and new diagnosis, with his family calling the latest health issue "cruel."
The 67-year-old "Save the Last Dance For Me" singer's wife Emma Heming Willis, ex-wife Demi Moore and daughters Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel, and Evelyn signed a joint statement (via Los Angeles Times) in which they shared that Bruce Willis' illness advanced. They added that they received a more specific diagnosis following their announcement of his aphasia battle in spring 2022.
"Bruce's condition has progressed and we now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia (known as FTD)," the statement revealed. "Unfortunately, challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease Bruce faces. While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis."
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a common cause of dementia. The term refers to a group of disorders that causes a person's brain lobes to shrink as the nerve cells in the frontal and temporal lobes get lost.
It notes the most common types of FTD, listing frontal variant and primary progressive aphasia. Among the disease's symptoms include personality changes, apathy, lack of empathy, impaired judgment, hesitation when speaking, agitation, trouble planning and organizing, and inability to use or understand a language, among others.
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Following the announcement regarding Bruce Willis' health status, the Association of Frontotemporal Degeneration published a message on its website wherein it called the "Die Hard" star's diagnosis "sadly ominous."
The association noted that, unfortunately, there is no cure and no way to prevent FTD's onset. It also disclosed that a person's average life expectancy is between seven to 13 years from the time the symptoms surface.
Bruce Willis Inspires People Amid Health Battle
As the Willis family deals with a newfound challenge, they took their time to look at the brighter side and thanked everyone for their support.
"We have been so moved by the love you have all shared for our dear husband, father, and friend during this difficult time," the family went on. "Your continued compassion, understanding, and respect will enable us to help Bruce live as full a life as possible."
Previously, Bruce Willis' aphasia diagnosis led his family to announce his retirement from acting. They revealed at that time that the illness was impacting his cognitive abilities.
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