What is Bruce Willis’ Rare Condition Frontotemporal Dementia That Has Left Die Hard Actor Unable to Communicate After Retiring from Acting?
Bruce Willis’ family revealed the reason for the actor’s retirement stating that he has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. His battle with the brain disorder started out with aphasia, a type of communication disability, that was first suspected in him by Mike Burns, the Out of Death director. Burns asked the screenwriters to cut down Willis’ dialogues and make it “short and sweet”. Soon, at the age of 67, Bruce Willis withdrew himself from the entertainment industry and began his battle against his illness.
Bruce Willis degenerative brain condition being a rare illness is unknown to the world due to a lack of awareness. But Willis’ family coming out to the public and making announcements about the actor’s illness is raising awareness among his fans and netizens.
Bruce Willis’ rare condition of frontotemporal dementia
Bruce Willis‘ family disclosed the actor’s diagnosis reports stating how he has been suffering from a “cruel disease”. Willis was diagnosed with a degenerative brain condition called frontotemporal dementia, which simply deteriorates with time and is incurable. Willis retired at the age of 67, after suffering from a communication disability and other behavioral problems that were stopping him from performing well as an actor.
The Pulp Fiction actor’s daughter Rumer Glenn Willis posted on her Instagram about her father’s condition making his fans and netizens aware of his illness and the reason for his retirement. The Die Hard actor’s family came out to the public stating,
“Since we announced Bruce’s diagnosis of aphasia in spring 2022, Bruce’s condition has progressed and we now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia. 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.”
Willis’ family added a link to the AAssociation for Frontotemporal Degeneration website, where they spoke further without disclosing too many details of the actor’s diagnosis.
What is frontotemporal dementia or FTD?
Frontotemporal dementia is a rare condition that is a progressive brain disorder. The illness starts off in the frontal and anterior temporal lobes of the brain causing major changes in behavior and language disability. In most cases, this type of degenerative brain condition is noticed in people over the age of 60.
The condition is extremely rare since only half of the patients suffering from this rare condition are diagnosed. In most cases, the disease deteriorates with time damaging the cells in the major parts of the brain that deals with social functioning. Therefore, patients start exhibiting inappropriate or impulsive behavior that is quite uncharacteristic of them. Oftentimes patients become apathetic and detached, which can be quite painful for their loved ones.
Most of the time, frontotemporal dementia patients fall into the subcategory of aphasia, which affects speech and usually gets worse with time. Bruce Willis’ family did not disclose too many details about his diagnosis, they only mentioned his aphasia which was confirmed by his co-workers.
What causes frontotemporal dementia?
The definite cause of frontotemporal dementia is still unknown. Majorly the onset of the disease is a result of protein clumps in the brain, although what causes the formation of protein clumps is unclear. Neurologists consider genetics could play a role, although only 40% of patients showcase a family history of dementia.
Bruce Willis’ condition is a rare and unfortunate one. It not only causes suffering to the patient but also to their dear ones, especially since it comes with no cure. It takes courage and strength to deal with such an unfortunate condition. We send our prayers for Bruce Willis and his family.
Source: Los Angeles Times
