Emma Heming Willis, the wife of Bruce Willis, revealed early signs of dementia, stating, "His speech has diminished, and warmth has disappeared."
Emma Heming Willis, the wife of Hollywood actor Bruce Willis (70), revealed early symptoms of her husband's dementia, garnering public sympathy.
Willis was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in 2023. This rare form of dementia, which affects personality and behavior before memory, degenerates parts of the brain.
According to a report by the Daily Mail on the 26th (local time), Emma Heming recalled in a recent interview, "He used to be very talkative and lively, but before the diagnosis, he became quieter and less prominent even in family gatherings." She continued, "It was shocking and frightening to see someone who was always warm and kind suddenly become cold and distant."
She noted that Willis began to lose words and even displayed stuttering symptoms he had as a child. However, he still can move, and the family continues to communicate and maintain their daily life in new ways.
Experts explain that FTD is a rare disease that affects about 50,000 to 60,000 people in the United States, with an average onset age of 60, significantly earlier than Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Keith Vossel, a neurologist at UCLA, stated, "Most patients require constant care within 35 years of diagnosis."
Emma added, "Bruce's body is healthy, but his brain is gradually deteriorating. His language abilities have weakened, but sometimes when he smiles and his eyes sparkle like before, I feel that my husband is still here."
Bruce Willis rose to global action star fame in 1988 with the film "Die Hard" and has left behind numerous hits. He is currently fighting his illness while receiving care from his family, including his ex-wife Demi Moore, and fans are sending their well wishes for his health.
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