Bruce Willis’ health is “stable” amid his frontotemporal dementia (FTD) diagnosis, according to the actor’s ex-wife Demi Moore.
Moore, 61, gave an update on the “Die Hard” star’s health while accepting an award at the 2024 Hamptons International Film Festival.
“You know, I’ve said this before. The disease is what the disease is,” Moore told the crowd while accepting the career achievement in acting award, according to People magazine. “And I think you have to be in real deep acceptance of what that is.”
“But for where he’s at, he is stable.”
Pivotal Moments in a Challenging Journey
Willis’ family first announced his diagnosis with aphasia in spring 2022, a time that marked the onset of a profoundly challenging chapter in their lives. Just months later, the news broke that his condition had progressed to frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
“Our family wanted to start by expressing our deepest gratitude for the incredible outpouring of love, support and wonderful stories we have all received since sharing Bruce’s original diagnosis,” Moore wrote on social media in February 2023. “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.”
Her words reveal not only the evolution of Bruce’s condition but also a poignant acceptance of the harsh realities they face. They are no longer just grappling with a diagnosis; they are navigating the emotional currents that come with such profound changes. Moore noted, “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.”
Learning to Embrace a New Normal
As their family adjusts to Bruce’s diagnosis, there is an unmistakable sense of resilience and hope that shines through. Moore expressed at the festival, “What I always encourage is to just meet them where they’re at. When you’re holding on to what was, I think it’s a losing game.” Her perspective encapsulates a poignant understanding: holding on to the past can cloud the beauty present in the moment.
In an unexpected twist, this journey has revealed a certain sweetness that might otherwise go unnoticed. “But when you show up to meet them where they’re at, there is great beauty and sweetness,” she added. Such reflections suggest that even amidst challenges, there is room for tenderness and connection.
The National Institute on Aging describes FTD as “the result of damage to neurons in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.” Its symptoms can manifest in various ways, from unusual behaviors and emotional challenges to difficulty in communication and coordination. Willis, a figure beloved for roles in “Pulp Fiction” and “Die Hard,” retired from acting after his 2022 aphasia diagnosis, reflecting a significant shift in not just career but identity as well.
As the journey continues, family members, friends, and fans alike hold Bruce close in their thoughts, sharing the belief that love can transcend the barriers of illness. It encourages a sense of community, reminding us that even in darkness, there can be moments of light, creating connections that heal us. The story of Bruce Willis serves as a reminder that in life’s toughest battles, love remains an unwavering ally.
