Bruce Willis’ wife, Emma Heming Willis, recently opened up about the early changes she noticed in her husband that ultimately led to his diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in his 60s. In a candid interview with Town & Country, Heming Willis shared details about Willis’ journey with the disease and how their family has been coping with it.
According to Heming Willis, the first sign of FTD in Willis was a change in his language. She revealed that Willis had a severe stutter as a child, but it was a theater teacher in college who helped him overcome it by teaching him how to memorize scripts. This propelled him into acting and he was able to cover up his stutter for many years.
However, as Willis’ language started to change, Heming Willis initially thought it was just a part of his stutter. She never imagined that it could be a sign of a serious health condition, especially at such a young age. FTD is a rare form of dementia that affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, leading to changes in behavior, language, and personality.
Heming Willis explained that FTD is often misdiagnosed, misunderstood, or missed altogether. It took several years before Willis was correctly diagnosed, which is not uncommon for this disease. She described FTD as a whisper, not a shout, making it difficult to pinpoint when exactly it started to take over Willis’ life.
In February 2023, Willis’ family announced that he had been diagnosed with FTD, after initially revealing in March 2022 that he would retire from acting due to a diagnosis of aphasia, a condition that affects a person’s ability to express and understand written and spoken language.
Heming Willis shared that their blended family, which includes Willis’ adult daughters from his first marriage to Demi Moore, has been a great support system for her and Willis. She expressed her gratitude for their love, support, and understanding, as they all work together to care for Willis.
Heming Willis also mentioned that their adult daughters, Rumer, 36, Scout, 33, and Tallulah, 30, have been a part of Willis’ caregiving team from the beginning. They have been there to listen, support, and help Heming Willis whenever she needs it.
Tallulah Willis, in particular, has been very vocal about her father’s journey with FTD. In a heartfelt essay for Vogue, she recalled noticing the early signs of her father’s dementia and how it affected her emotionally. She explained that she had suspected something was wrong with her father’s health for a long time, but it wasn’t until she faced her own health struggles that she realized he was also struggling.
Tallulah Willis shared that their family had been conducting various cognitive tests, but they didn’t have a diagnosis yet. It wasn’t until the summer of 2021 that she became painfully aware of her father’s declining health. At a wedding on Martha’s Vineyard, while listening to a speech by the bride’s father, she realized that she would never get to experience her father speaking about her at her own wedding. This realization was devastating for her.
However, now in her own recovery from her health conditions, Tallulah Willis is able to bring joy and positivity to her father’s life. She mentioned that she can bring him an energy that is bright and sunny, no matter what she has been through.
Heming Willis also shared that their daughters understand their father’s condition and are supportive and loving towards him. They know that Daddy’s not going to get better, but they continue to make memories and cherish the time they have with him.
In conclusion, Heming Willis’ interview sheds light on the challenges and struggles faced by families dealing with FTD. It is a reminder to be patient, understanding, and supportive towards those who are battling this disease. And most importantly, to cherish every moment with our loved ones, as we never know what the future holds.
