Bruce Willis is 'not totally verbal' as dementia progresses
Bruce Willis, celebrated for his roles in films like «Die Hard,» is facing a challenging battle with dementia. The 68-year-old actor received a diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) earlier this year, following earlier revelations about his health issues.
Last year, Bruce's family disclosed that he was grappling with aphasia, a language disorder that affected his cognitive abilities.
Film creator Glenn Gordon Caron, who worked with Bruce during the 1980s on the sitcom «Moonlighting,» shared insights into the actor's condition. Glenn disclosed that Bruce's verbal abilities have significantly declined, stating, «My sense is the first one to three minutes he knows who I am.
He’s not totally verbal; he used to be a voracious reader — he didn’t want anyone to know that — and he’s not reading now.» Glenn expressed that Bruce is still recognizable and appreciated when spending time with him, but the actor's characteristic zest for life has waned.
In the original announcement made in March 2022 concerning Bruce's diagnosis of aphasia, his family conveyed their gratitude to his supporters and explained that his health challenges, coupled with the cognitive impact of aphasia, led to Bruce's decision to step away from his illustrious acting career, which had held deep personal significance for him.
In February of this year, an updated diagnosis was shared by Bruce's family. The statement, released in conjunction with the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, revealed that Bruce's condition had progressed, and he was now facing a more specific diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
