Bruce Willis' family has expressed uncertainty about the future as the 68-year-old actor battles frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a debilitating illness for which there is currently no cure.
Earlier this year, a friend revealed that Willis is "not totally verbal" and has lost his "joie de vivre." Clinical neurologist Professor Peter Garrard, in an interview, shed light on the symptoms of FTD, which can be mistaken for psychiatric illness, as per Yahoo News.
Bruce Willis' Struggle with Debilitating Progression
US actor Bruce Willis attends the premiere of "Motherless Brooklyn" during the 57th New York Film Festival at Alice Tully Hall on October 11, 2019 in New York City.
According to Professor Garrard, FTD can lead to changes in language and behavior. As the disease progresses, language can become empty of content as knowledge of concepts deteriorates. Speech can also become distorted and difficult to produce, while comprehension is relatively preserved.
Behavior changes may manifest as social inappropriateness or disinhibition, a decline in motivation, and increased obsessionality, characterized by a newfound interest in specific things such as music, food, or catchphrases.
The speed of FTD progression varies, but worsening symptoms are expected. Sources close to Willis have already reported a significant loss of his ability to speak. Professor Garrard emphasized that in the early stages of the disease, symptoms can be very subtle and often mistaken for psychiatric illnesses like depression. He noted that disinhibited subtypes of FTD may begin with changes in judgment, such as risky investments or extramarital affairs.
Initially, Willis was told he had aphasia, which affects speech and language. Following his diagnosis, the Die Hard star retired from film. His family later revealed that he had been diagnosed with a particularly aggressive form of FTD. Professor Garrard described Willis' condition as debilitating, with FTD typically causing changes in language, behavior, or personality, according to The News.
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Bruce Willis' Family Cherishes Moments Amid Dementia Battle
The uncertainty surrounding Willis' condition has deeply impacted his family. They are making every effort to spend as much time with him as possible, acutely aware that any day could be his last. According to a source, Willis has experienced more bad days than good in the last two months. This difficult journey has brought the family closer together, with the realization that time is precious. Bruce receives round-the-clock care, and there is always a family member by his side.
The gradual loss of Willis' ability to communicate and the unpredictability of his illness is profoundly challenging for his loved ones. FTD symptoms are often difficult to detect, adding to the complexity of the situation. The family remains dedicated to supporting Willis and ensuring that his memory of their love remains intact. Their lives now revolve around being there for him during this challenging time.
As Bruce Willis bravely battles FTD, his family remains hopeful for each day they have together. The devastating effects of the disease serve as a reminder of the importance of cherishing moments with our loved ones and raising awareness about conditions like FTD that impact individuals and families across the globe, Mirror reported.
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