Home Entertainment Frail Bruce Willis, 67, is seen for the first time since his dementia diagnosis was revealed, as retired actor steps out in Santa Monica

Frail Bruce Willis, 67, is seen for the first time since his dementia diagnosis was revealed, as retired actor steps out in Santa Monica

Entertainment — 11/20/2024

Bruce Willis, 67, is spotted for the first time since his dementia diagnosis was publicized. The retired actor steps out in Santa Monica.

Bruce Willis was seen for the first time since his family revealed he had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) last month - as the retired actor stepped out in Santa Monica on Thursday. The Hollywood icon, 67, withdrew from acting last year as he began his fight with aphasia, which caused his language abilities to deteriorate - with a joint statement from his family on February 16 confirming his condition had progressed to dementia.

Bruce Willis was spotted for the first time since his family confirmed he had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) last month, when the retired actor appeared in Santa Monica on Thursday. The 67-year-old Hollywood icon retired from performing last year as he battled aphasia, which weakened his speaking abilities, with his family revealing on February 16 that his condition had progressed to dementia.

Willis wore a blue sweater, black joggers and a woolen hat as he grabbed coffee with two friends on the outing in California. The frail star was last seen out in public in late January, when he stepped out for lunch with friends in LA - and just weeks before his dementia diagnosis was made public.

Willis wore a blue sweater, black joggers, and a woolen hat when out for coffee with two pals in California. The ailing singer was last seen in public in late January, when he went out for lunch with pals in Los Angeles, just weeks before his Alzheimer diagnosis became public.

FTD affects the lobes of the brain behind the forehead, which deal with behavior, problem-solving, planning and emotions - with symptoms including personality changes, obsessive behavior and speaking difficulties.

FTD affects the lobes of the brain behind the forehead that control behavior, problem solving, planning, and emotions, resulting in personality changes, compulsive behavior, and difficulty speaking.

The statement, from his wife Emma Heming, ex-wife Demi Moore and five daughters and posted on The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration's website last month read: '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.'

 

The statement, written by his wife Emma Heming, ex-wife Demi Moore, and five daughters and posted on The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration’s website last month, read: ‘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.

'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.'

‘In that spirit, we wanted to provide you an update on our dear husband, father, and friend, as we now have a better knowledge of what he is going through.’

'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.

“Since we reported Bruce’s diagnosis of aphasia in spring 2022, his illness has advanced, and we now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Unfortunately, communication issues are only one sign of Bruce’s disease. While this is uncomfortable, it is a relief to get a definitive diagnosis.

'FTD is a cruel disease that many of us have never heard of and can strike anyone. For people under 60, FTD is the most common form of dementia, and because getting the diagnosis can take years, FTD is likely much more prevalent than we know.'

‘FTD is a horrible disease that many of us have never heard of and that can affect anyone. FTD is the most frequent type of dementia among persons under the age of 60, and because diagnosing it can take years, it is likely considerably more widespread than we realize.

'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.'

‘There are currently no treatments for the condition, which we hope will change in the next years. As Bruce’s situation worsens, we hope that any media attention can be directed toward shedding light on this disease, which requires significantly more awareness and research.

'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 believed in utilizing his voice to help people and raise awareness about vital topics, both publicly and personally. We believe in our hearts that, if he could today, he would want to respond by drawing global attention to this horrible condition and how it affects so many people and their families.

'Ours is just one family with a loved one who suffers from FTD, and we encourage others facing it to seek out the wealth of information and support available through AFTD (@theaftd, theaftd.org). And for those of you who have been fortunate enough to not have any personal experience with FTD, we hope that you will take the time to learn about it, and support AFTD’s mission in whatever way you can.'

‘Ours is just one family with a loved one suffering from FTD, and we encourage others to seek out the abundance of knowledge and support provided by AFTD (@theaftd, theaftd.org). And for those of you who have not had personal experience with FTD, we hope you will learn about it and support AFTD’s work in any way you can.’

'Bruce has always found joy in life – and has helped everyone he knows to do the same. It has meant the world to see that sense of care echoed back to him and to all of us. ' Pictured L-R: Wife Emma Heming, ex-wife Demi Moore and daughters Scout, Tallulah, Mabel, Evelyn and Rumer.'

‘Bruce has always found joy in life and encouraged everyone he knows to do the same. It has meant everything to see that level of caring reflected back to him and all of us. Wife Emma Heming, ex-wife Demi Moore, and their daughters Scout, Tallulah, Mabel, Evelyn, and Rumer are shown from left to right.

'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.' The statement was signed by Emma, Demi, and his daughters Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel, and Evelyn.

 

‘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.’ The statement was signed by Emma, Demi, and his daughters Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel, and Evelyn.