Bruce Willis’ ‘emotionally tired’ daughters feel ‘overwhelmed’ by support amid dad’s dementia diagnosis
BRENTWOOD, LOS ANGELES: Bruce Willis's elder daughters are "a bit overwhelmed" by the limitless love and support they've received since they disclosed their dad is diagnosed with dementia. The "Glass" star retired from acting last year after receiving an aphasia diagnosis. His family has announced that his condition has "progressed" and that he has been given a "more specific" diagnosis on February 16, Thursday.
After the family's announcement, Bruce's well-known friends and admirers flocked to social media to express their support for him and his loved ones. His elder daughters acknowledged that they are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for Bruce and his family. "Feeling emotionally tired and a bit overwhelmed, yet also in awe of the love so many people have for my papa," a few hours after the announcement, Scout LaRue Willis shared a post on her Instagram Stories.
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Tallulah Willis shared her sister's story and seconded it writing, "Second this Scouter feeling the abundant love for our guy and our family." Rumer Willis then shared Tallulah's post and pitched in, "I third this Scouter and Buusk feeling so deeply grateful and in awe of the love for us and our sweet Daddio."
Bruce is diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia
Bruce, 67, has frontotemporal dementia, according to statement shared by his family on Thursday. Many brain illnesses that affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which control a person's personality, speech, and emotions, are collectively referred to under this umbrella term. The illness alters these regions by inducing atrophy in some lobes. According to Dr. Allison Reiss, a specialist in dementia-related diseases and a member of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America's Medical, Scientific, and Memory Screening Advisory Board, there is presently no treatment and the prognosis is comparable to that of Alzheimer's, People reported.
The family has sought comfort in one another
In the wake of the devastating news, the family has sought solace in one another. On Thursday, all three sisters, along with his ex-wife Demi Moore and his current wife Emma Hemming Willis, shared the same image of their family patriarch. Bruce and Emma have two further children together, Mabel Ray Willis, 10, and Evelyn Penn Willis, 8. The actor from The 'Sixth Sense' star's family provided an update on his health in the photo's text. "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)." "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," they continued.
The family wrote in their full statement, "Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately. We know in our hearts that – if he could today – he would want to respond by bringing global attention and a connectedness with those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease and how it impacts so many individuals and their families." "Bruce has always found joy in life – and has helped everyone he knows to do the same," they added. "It has meant the world to see that sense of care echoed back to him and to all of us. We have been so moved by the love you have all shared for our dear husband, father, and friend during this difficult time." "Your continued compassion, understanding, and respect will enable us to help Bruce live as full a life as possible," they concluded, signing off, "Emma, Demi, Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel and Evelyn."
