Emma Heming Willis, the wife of actor Bruce Willis, is sharing more about his battle with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). She recently spoke about a specific part of the condition that makes it hard for those affected to understand they are even sick.
During a recent interview, Emma explained that FTD and other dementias can bring on something called anosognosia. This is when the brain can’t recognize what’s happening to it. She emphasized that when people with FTD say they are fine and don’t need a doctor, it’s not denial. It’s simply that their brain is changing due to the illness.
Emma also shared that she’s thankful Bruce doesn’t realize the full extent of his condition. She feels it’s a blessing that he hasn’t “connected the dots” about his disease.
She made it clear that Bruce is still present and that the family has learned to live with the changes. Even though he has FTD, not Alzheimer’s, he still connects with her and their children, just in a different way. These connections are still beautiful and meaningful, she said.
Bruce Willis’s family announced he would be retiring from acting because he had aphasia, a language disorder. Later, they shared that he had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
FTD is caused by damage to nerve cells in the front and side parts of the brain. This can lead to changes in behavior, emotions, communication problems, and difficulty with work or walking.
Emma has been open about the challenges she and Bruce have faced. She recalled noticing changes in his behavior even before he was diagnosed. He became quieter and less involved with family events, which was unusual for him.
She admitted that she struggled to understand what was happening and wondered how she could stay in a marriage that felt so different.
Despite the difficulties, Emma says they still have good moments. She treasures his laugh, the twinkle in his eye, and his familiar smirk. While these moments are fleeting, she’s grateful that Bruce is still with them.
