In brief
Emma Heming Willis has opened up about Bruce Willis's condition, revealing that while he is physically healthy, his cognitive abilities are declining due to frontotemporal dementia. She shared insights on adapting communication and her hopes for a new book to support caregivers facing similar challenges.
Emma Heming Willis, the wife of retired US actor Bruce Willis, has spoken for the first time publicly about how his brain is failing him now and his language is going. The Sixth Sense and Die Hard star, 70, was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia more than three years ago.Bruce is still very mobile. Bruce is in really great health overall, she told ABC News via Good Morning America on Tuesday. It's just his brain that is failing him.The upcoming author of a book about her family's experience with dementia also advocates for fellow caregivers, stating, The language is going, and, you know, we've learned to adapt.Heming Willis noted that they have found unique ways to communicate, despite the challenges. The family continues to see flashes of his true personality including moments of laughter and a twinkle in his eye, which she cherishes. Samantha Benham-Hermetz, executive director at Alzheimer's Research UK, praised Heming Willis's courage in sharing their story, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about the impact of dementia on families. The ABC special, Emma & Bruce Willis: The Unexpected Journey, airs in the US on Tuesday and will be available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu the following day.
