Emotional Rollercoaster: Emma Heming Willis Opens Up About Bruce Willis' Dementia Battle

Bruce Willis's awareness of his frontotemporal dementia (FTD) remains uncertain, according to his wife Emma Heming Willis. In her latest update on his condition, she shared on the Today show with Hoda Kotb of NBC, the impact of the diagnosis on their family, including their two daughters.

"It's becoming apparent to me that dementia is a challenging experience. It takes a toll on the person who has been diagnosed, as well as their family. This applies to Bruce, myself, and our daughters," she expressed. "And when they say that dementia affects the entire family, that statement holds true."

Curious about her husband's level of awareness about his condition, Kotb inquired if he was cognizant of it. Heming Willis replied, "It's difficult to determine."

Bruce Willis attends the Comedy Central Roast of Bruce Willis at Hollywood Palladium on July 14, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.(Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images)

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Bruce Willis has a progressive brain condition you may not have heard of

Heming Willis made an appearance on the show to increase awareness about FTD, accompanied by Susan Dickinson, the CEO of the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration.

Dickinson highlighted that the condition impairs self-awareness, causing some individuals to lose recognition of their own personal changes.

Kotb inquired about the impact of the diagnosis on Heming Willis.

"It's been both a blessing and a curse," she replied, emphasizing that gaining clarity on his condition has been beneficial, despite the ongoing pain.

"Just having knowledge about Bruce's current state makes it slightly more manageable," she stated.

When it comes to informing their daughters Mabel and Evelyn about the situation, she emphasized, "We are an incredibly transparent and candid family. The crucial aspect was to accurately define the illness and provide a comprehensive explanation, as understanding the medical standpoint brings clarity to the entire situation."

Actor Bruce Willis attends the premiere of Universal Pictures' "Glass" at SVA Theatre on January 15, 2019 in New York City.

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Bruce Willis' family shares an update on his health and new diagnosis

"It was crucial for us to inform them about the situation, as I want to ensure there is no stigma or shame associated with their father's diagnosis of dementia," Heming Willis emphasized. In addition, she expressed optimism.

"He is the constant source of blessings," she declared about her spouse. "Love, patience, resilience, and more."

"For Bruce, it would be his utmost desire that we find happiness in what we have now, for both me and our family," she shared.

Willis, who retired from acting in March 2022 due to a speaking disorder known as aphasia, was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, as confirmed by his family in February of this year.

In a statement, the Willis family acknowledged that since they announced Bruce's aphasia diagnosis in the spring of 2022, his condition has worsened. They expressed that communication difficulties are just one aspect of the challenges Bruce is now confronting due to the disease. While this is undoubtedly distressing, the family finds solace in finally receiving a definitive diagnosis.

FTD, or frontotemporal degeneration, is a collection of disorders characterized by the accumulation of tau and other proteins that destroy brain cells in the frontal or temporal lobes. Alzheimers Research UK states that this condition usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 64.

Described as the most prevalent form of dementia in individuals under 60, FTD presents difficulties in communication and can lead to alterations in behavior, personality, and movement, as stated by the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration.

According to the US National Institute on Aging, individuals with FTD generally have a lifespan of six to eight years. Inherited cases account for 10% to 30% of all FTD cases. Besides genetics, the involvement of the thyroid and insulin in the disease's onset is currently being explored. CNN's Sandee LaMotte and Kristen Rogers have contributed to this report.