Emma Heming Willis, wife of retired American actor Bruce Willis, spoke for the first time publicly about how his brain now “fails” him and his “language is going.”
Three years ago, the 70-year-old Death Star was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.
“Bruce is still very mobile. Bruce is generally healthy, you know.” She told ABC News on Good Morning Tuesday in America. “It’s just his brain that failed him.”
Heming Willis is the forthcoming author on her family’s experience with dementia and also advocates fellow nursing staff. “The language is going on, you know, we’ve learned to adapt,” she added.
“And we have a way of communicating with him, and it’s just… a different way.”
The Willis family revealed in 2023 that the star was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, which is, this is, this is the star. According to the NHS websiteis “a rare type of dementia that causes behavioral and language problems.”
A little-known but profoundly influential situation is Alzheimer’s Disease Research UK It affects more than 30,000 people across the country.
Model and entrepreneur Heming Willis said she first thought she had to help her husband alone, which led to sleepless nights and quit social life.
She said she hopes her new book, Accidental Journey: Finding Power, Hope, and Yourself on the Road to Care, can serve as a roadmap and guide and may be equally affected by dementia for other caregivers’ lives.
The family – including the couple’s two young daughters, as well as the other three of Bruce’s daughters with former partner Demi Moore – still see the glitter of his true personality, noted Heming Willis, and “flashing his winks.”
“It’s not days, but we have moments,” she said. “It’s his laughter, right? He has such a pleasant laugh. Sometimes you see his eyes flashing, or that silly giggle, I’m just shipped.”
She continued: “It’s hard to see because as long as those moments come, it’s fast.
Samantha Benham-Hermetz, UK executive director of Alzheimer’s Disease Research, told BBC News that it is heartbreaking to hear about the impact of “dementia on “the iconic actors” and their families.
“It was a powerful courage to decide that Emma Heming Willis’ decision to speak publicly about Bruce’s diagnosis, and her words resonate with many people affected by dementia,” she said.
“Her openness means a lot to many families facing similar challenges, reminding them that they are not alone. Personal stories like Emma and Bruce are crucial. They raise awareness, promote understanding and emphasize the urgent need for research.”
Heming Willis speaks in the preview of ABC’s special Emma & Bruce Willis: The Unexpected Tour, which will air on Tuesday at 20:00 BST in the United States. It will be streamed on Disney+ and Hulu the next day.
Health & Wellness Contributor
A wellness enthusiast and certified nutrition advisor, Meera covers everything from healthy living tips to medical breakthroughs. Her articles aim to inform and inspire readers to live better every day.
