Europe 1 with AFP 9:38 p.m., February 16, 2023
The family of Bruce Willis said on Thursday that the illness of the actor, who ended his career in the spring of 2022 due to health problems, has worsened.
The 'Die Hard' star now suffers from an incurable form of dementia according to a new medical diagnosis.
The illness of Bruce Willis, who ended his career in the spring of 2022 due to health problems, has worsened and the actor now suffers from a form of incurable dementia according to a new medical diagnosis, announced Thursday his family.
The 67-year-old actor initially suffered from aphasia, a language disorder caused by brain damage.
But since last year, "Bruce's disease has progressed and we now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia," his relatives said in a statement.
Communication difficulties
"Unfortunately, the communication difficulties are just one symptom of the illness Bruce is dealing with," the family shared, saying they were "relieved to finally have a clear diagnosis."
Frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) is a neurodegenerative disease, related to Alzheimer's disease.
People with FTD may experience memory problems, behavioral changes, or difficulty speaking or moving.
“Today, there is no cure for this disease, a reality which we hope can change in the years to come,” the family stressed.
"As Bruce's condition progresses, we hope the media will focus on bringing this disease to light, which needs much more awareness and research," his loved ones added.