Bruce Willis released a statement revealing his diagnosis (Picture: Getty)
Bruce Willis has been praised by Dementia UK for publicly revealing his frontotemporal dementia (FTD) diagnosis.
The Die Hard actor’s family released a statement on Thursday, sharing how his health had worsened.
As a result, Dementia UK is confident that this will mean ‘more awareness can be raised’ and ‘it will encourage others to seek advice.’
‘We’re sorry to hear that Bruce has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD),’ they began in a statement.
‘By choosing to speak publicly about his diagnosis, more awareness can be raised about FTD and hopefully, it will encourage others to seek advice if they are experiencing concerns about their brain health,’ they told the PA news agency.
‘FTD is the third most common form of dementia in people under the age of 65, but there is still limited awareness of it among the public and health and social care professionals. This can impact negatively on the care that people living with the condition receive.
His family are hoping to raise awareness by speaking publicly (Picture: Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for goop)
‘For these people and their families, specialist dementia nurse support through our Admiral Nurse service, can be a lifeline. Our Admiral Nurses can help families living with the impact of dementia to take back control and have the confidence to plan their future.’
The Alzheimer’s Society has also been singing the star’s praises, saying they are ‘hugely thankful’ for his decision to speak openly.
Chief executive Kate Lee said the organisation sends their ‘thoughts’ to the movie star and his family at this troublesome time.
‘Speaking publicly about his diagnosis will help so much to shine further light on the condition, for which we are hugely thankful,’ Lee added.
Willis was previously diagnosed with aphasia, a condition affecting his cognitive abilities, and announced his retirement.
In an update now shared on social media, Willis’ family expressed their ‘deepest gratitude’ for the ‘outpouring of love’ they had received since.
Their statement read: ‘In the spirit of that, we wanted to give you an update about our beloved husband, father and friend since we now have a deeper understanding of what he is experiencing.
‘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 (known as FTD).
Willis faces ‘cruel’ challenges ahead with the disease (Picture: Rich Fury/Getty Images)
The Die Hard star announced his retirement from acting in 2021 (Picture: Moviestore/Shutterstock)
‘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.’
The condition is the most common form of dementia in people under 60, and the family said they hoped media attention on the actor’s condition would raise awareness.
‘FTD is a cruel disease that many of us have never heard of and can strike anyone,’ their statement continued.
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‘Today there are no treatments for the disease, a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead.
‘As Bruce’s condition advances, we hope that any media attention can be focused on shining a light on this disease that needs far more awareness and research.’
More information about Alzheimer’s disease
More information about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia can be found at alzheimers.org.uk.
You can contact their support line on 0333 150 3456.
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Dementia UK believes more people will now seek help.
