Bruce Willis Diagnosed With Frontotemporal Dementia Transcript

Promise, Grace.

This morning, the family of legendary Hollywood action star, Bruce Willis, sharing new details about the cruel disease they say he’s battling.

Plenty more where that came from.

Nearly one year after Willis was diagnosed with aphasia, a disease that impacts his cognitive abilities, forcing him to retire from his blockbuster acting career, his family saying in his statement, “Bruce’s condition has progressed, and we now have a more specific diagnosis. Frontotemporal dementia. The critically acclaimed actor became a bonafide star as the action hero, John McClain in the Diehard franchise.

Hey, I’m still here, unless you want to open a front door for me.

And in 2015, Willis shared on Today, he was checking off another bucket list item, Broadway.

I have never been on Broadway, and as far as I’m concerned, it is the big time.

Starring in min Misery, an adaptation of Stephen King’s book. Now, the Golden Globe winner is facing a different challenge offstage. This rare form of dementia, known as FTD, affects areas of the brain associated with personality, behavior, and language. It tends to occur at a younger age than other forms of dementia; the onset, often between 45 and 60 years old. Willis, now 67, is among the 50 to 60,000 Americans fighting it. His family saying, “Unfortunately, challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease Bruce faces. While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis.

Welcome to the party, pal.

Willis’ blended family has rallied around him through this difficult time. His wife, Emma, their two daughters, as well as his ex-wife, Demi Moore, and their three daughters writing in their latest statement, “Bruce has always found joy in life, and has helped everyone. He knows to do the same. It has meant the world to see that sense of care echoed back to him and to all of us.”

Well, Kaylee, the diagnosis is now out in the open. What does Willis’s family have plans going forward?

Well, Hoda, as his condition advances, they hope to help shine a light on the disease, which they say needs far more awareness and research. They also mentioned that Bruce would want to bring attention to this himself if he could. There’s currently no cure or treatment to slow or stop the progression. Many patients turn to speech therapy to develop alternative ways of communication, and we have seen a lot of photos of Bruce with the family, clearly spending time with those He loves most. Guys.

All right, Kaylee Hartung. Kaylee, thank you so much. Wow.