Bruce Willis Frontotemporal Dementia Diagnosis: What to Know — Bruce Willis fans were shocked to learn the actor’s health took an unfortunate turn.
The Die Hard star was diagnosed with aphasia and his condition progressed further.
What happened to Bruce Willis health?
On February 16, 2023, Bruce Willis’ eldest daughter Rumer Willis took to Instagram to announce her famous father’s aphasia has since evolved into frontotemporal dementia.
She revealed: “Our family wanted to start by expressing our deepest gratitude for the incredible outpouring of love, support, and wonderful stories we have all received since sharing Bruce Willis’ original diagnosis.
“In the spirit of that, we wanted to give you an update about our beloved husband, father and friend since we now have a deeper understanding of what he is experiencing. 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.”
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Signs of frontotemporal dementia include a combination of motor, behavioral, and speech issues such as:
Apathy or an unwillingness to talk
Muscle spasms or twitches
Poor coordination
Muscle weakness
Problems with balance
Loss of inhibition
Increasingly inappropriate social behavior
Change in personality and mood, such as depression
A decline in personal hygiene
Having hesitant speech that may sound telegraphic
Increasing difficulty in using and understanding written and spoken language, such as having trouble finding the right word to use in speech or naming objects.
When was Bruce diagnosed with aphasia?
Alongside a throwback photo of the father-daughter duo, she wrote: “To Bruce’s amazing supporters, as a family we wanted to share that our beloved Bruce has been experiencing some health issues and has recently been diagnosed with aphasia, which is impacting his cognitive abilities.”
“As a result of this and with much consideration, Bruce is stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him.” She continued: “This is a really challenging time for our family and we are so appreciative of your continued love, compassion, and support.”
“We are moving through this as a strong family unit, and wanted to bring his fans in because we know how much he means to you, as you do to him.” “As Bruce always says, ‘Live it up’ and together we plan to do just that.”
The post was signed by his five daughters; Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel, and Evelyn, as well as his wife Emma Heming Willis, and his ex-wife Demi Moore.
What are the treatment options for Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)?
Generally, patients with FTD will live for around five to seven years after they first display obvious symptoms, Dr. Grant said. There is no cure — “but there’s a difference between a disease not having a cure and saying, ‘There’s nothing we can do,’” he said.
Occupational therapy can help patients who have difficulty communicating. Speech therapy can also be a tool to help these patients, Dr. Salinas said.
Physicians often work with the families or loved ones of people with FTD to develop a care plan, which can include safeguards to make sure they cannot hurt themselves or their loved ones. Doctors may prescribe medications to help manage the symptoms; some patients may be prescribed antidepressants to cope with mood or behavioral symptoms, Dr. Miller said.
Patients often benefit from steady, predictable routines, Ms. Dickinson said. And many patients, as well as family members, find comfort in support groups, she added.
Doctors also work to ensure that families are looking out for themselves. “The family often suffers as much as the patient,” Dr. Miller said.
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