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Emma Heming Willis opens up about Bruce Willis’ frontotemporal dementia, revealing how their love has strengthened despite his struggles with speech and memory.
Bruce Willis was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia after battling aphasia in 2022.
Bruce Willis, the iconic Die Hard actor, has been largely away from the spotlight since his frontotemporal dementia (FTD) diagnosis in November 2022. Before the official announcement, subtle changes had already begun to surface. Known for his vibrant personality and humor, Willis started withdrawing and struggled with speech. His wife, Emma Heming Willis, was among the first to notice these shifts, as he often struggled to find words and even slipped back into an old childhood stutter.
Emma recalled that neither of them realized he was showing early signs of primary progressive aphasia (PPA), a form of FTD. Speaking to People, she explained, “FTD can affect people in different ways and there are three different subtypes. There is one that affects behavior, one that affects speech, and then another one that can affect movement. For Bruce, it was speech.”
Emma Heming Willis on Love Beyond Words
Despite the difficulties, Emma emphasized that their love has only grown stronger. PPA has altered the way Bruce communicates, yet his presence remains undeniable in their home. “I feel like our love story has only grown and developed more,” she said.
Emma described how simple gestures carry deeper meaning now—laughing together, exchanging glances, or sitting quietly side by side. “It sounds woo-woo but it is just on a more cellular level. I am so grateful that he is very much here, very much a part of our day-to-day,” she added.
For her, silence doesn’t diminish intimacy. “Sometimes, love does not need words. I can just sit there with Bruce, and we look at each other and we laugh and smile and that, to me, is more than anything,” she explained.
Navigating Care and Family Life
Emma has also been candid about the challenges of caregiving. Speaking recently on ABC, she revealed that Bruce now lives in a separate residence under full-time professional care. This decision, while heartbreaking, was made with their daughters—Mabel, 13, and Evelyn, 11—in mind.
Emma continues to live with them in a different home, ensuring that the children’s environment remains stable and suited to their needs. “Bruce would want that for our daughters… a home more tailored to their needs, not his,” she said.
Through her openness, Emma has become a voice for families facing similar struggles with dementia. Her strength and vulnerability highlight the resilience required to balance caregiving with raising children while preserving the love that binds them together.
As Bruce battles FTD, Emma Heming Willis reminds the world that even when words fade, love can speak louder than anything else.
Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, …Read More
Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, … Read More
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Los Angeles, United States of America (USA)
September 06, 2025, 04:16 IST
