Bruce Willis’s family gave an update on the actor’s health on Thursday, announcing that his condition has improved and that he has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.
“Since we announced Bruce’s diagnosis of aphasia in the spring of 2022, Bruce’s condition has progressed, and we now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia,” his family said in a statement.
“Unfortunately, the challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease Bruce faces. Although it’s painful, it’s a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis.
In March 2022, it was reported that Willis would retire from acting due to health issues after being told by his family.
It is a brain disorder, but it is different from Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, it is less common and less well known. Here’s what you should know about frontotemporal dementia:
What is frontotemporal dementia?
Frontotemporal dementia, or FTD, refers to a group of brain disorders caused by dysfunction of the frontal and/or temporal lobes of the brain, says FTD. The Mayo Clinic says those parts of the brain are typically associated with personality, behavior and language.
The disorder has different subtypes and differs from Alzheimer’s because people with frontotemporal dementia are usually younger. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, most people with frontotemporal dementia are diagnosed in their late 40s to early 60s. Bruce Willis is 67 years old.
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“FTD has a far greater impact on work, family, and finances than Alzheimer’s does,” says the FTD.
How common is frontotemporal dementia?
AFTD estimates that about 50,000 to 60,000 people in the US are diagnosed with this disease. It is often misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s, depression, Parkinson’s or a psychotic condition, and it usually takes more than three years to get the correct diagnosis, the organization says.
Willis’s family said the actor was initially diagnosed with aphasia, a different type of brain disorder.
What are the causes?
The exact cause of the disease is currently unknown, but several medical organizations say that there are genetic variations associated with the disorder.
“Some people with FTD have small structures in their brain cells called Pick bodies. Pick bodies contain an abnormal amount or type of protein,” says Johns Hopkins Medicine.
