Bruce Willis is facing a rapid and severe decline in his health as a result of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a degenerative brain disease. The 70-year-old actor can no longer speak, read, or walk independently, and now requires 24-hour care. His family, who remain by his side, have requested privacy during this difficult time.
Willis retired from acting in 2022 following a diagnosis of aphasia, a condition that affects communication. In early 2023, his family confirmed that the condition had progressed into FTD, a more serious neurological disorder. The disease, which affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, gradually erodes speech, movement, and emotional regulation.
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Unlike Alzheimer’s disease, which typically begins with memory loss, FTD often starts with changes in personality, mood, or language ability. As the condition advances, patients lose the ability to communicate or carry out simple physical tasks.
FTD generally appears between the ages of 45 and 64 and is often misdiagnosed as a psychiatric condition or Alzheimer’s. Early symptoms may include impulsivity, socially inappropriate behavior, or difficulty finding the right words. As the disease progresses, patients may also lose motor function, making even basic movements and swallowing difficult.
Bruce Willis’ diagnosis has helped bring international awareness to this lesser-known form of dementia. Experts emphasize the importance of early diagnosis, speech and physical therapy, and emotional support in managing the disease.
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According to Mayo Clinic, FTD accounts for 10% to 20% of all dementia cases and often goes unrecognized due to its early onset and atypical symptoms.
