Bruce Willis’ Wife Opens Up on His Health Following Dementia Diagnosis: “We’ve Learned to Adapt”

Bruce Willis’ wife, Emma Heming Willis, has given fans an update on the actor’s health three years after his frontotemporal dementia diagnosis.

The Hollywood star, known for Die Hard and Pulp Fiction, retired in 2023, the same year he completed his final film, Assassin.

In an interview with Diana Sawyer for ABC, which aired as a preview on Good Morning America on August 26, Heming Willis discussed living with her husband’s condition ahead of her upcoming book, The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope and Yourself on the Caregiving Path, set to release on September 9.

The full special, Emma & Bruce Willis: The Unexpected Journey, aired later that evening and is now available on Disney+ and Hulu.

Heming Willis explained how the family has adapted to Bruce’s aphasia, a condition that affects communication. “Bruce is still very mobile. Bruce is in really great health overall, you know. It’s just his brain that is failing him […] The language is going, and you know, we’ve learned to adapt. And we have a way of communicating with him, which is just a different, a different way,” she said.

She and Willis’ five daughters have found new ways to connect with him; Heming Willis and Bruce share two daughters, while his other three children are from his previous marriage to Demi Moore.

She also shared the early signs that led to his diagnosis. “He was just a little more quiet, and when the family would get together, he would kind of just melt a little bit. […] He felt a little removed, very cold. Not like Bruce, who is very warm and affectionate. To go in the complete opposite of that was alarming and scary,” she recalled.

Despite the challenges, Heming Willis noted that glimpses of Bruce’s old personality still appear. “He has such a hearty laugh. And, you know, sometimes you’ll see that twinkle in his eye or that spark, and, you know, I just get, like, transported. And it’s just hard because, as quickly as those moments appear, then it goes,” she said.

Bruce Willis’ frontotemporal dementia was made public on February 16, 2023. According to neurologist Gregg Day of the Mayo Clinic, symptoms include trouble with language and comprehension, as well as misinterpreting instructions.

The family has highlighted that communication challenges are only one aspect of the disease and hopes their openness raises awareness about FTD.

Emma Heming Willis’ memoir will focus on her journey as her husband’s caregiver and provide insight into the family’s life adapting to the condition.

It’s clear that the Willis family is approaching this difficult journey with love and resilience. Seeing a beloved actor like Bruce Willis face such challenges reminds us how important awareness and support are for families dealing with dementia. How do you feel about their story? Share your thoughts in the comments.