Popular actor Bruce Willis had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) last month. The retired actor stepped out in Santa Monica on Thursday. FTD symptoms often arise in younger patients between the ages of 40 and 65, according to the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
During the filming sessions in which the actor was present, people present could already sense that something was not right. He had difficulty in holding conversations, coupled with not being able to connect words correctly. Recently, Willis’ wife says it is “hard to know” if the award-winning actor is aware of the frontotemporal dementia he was diagnosed with earlier this year.
Willis’ daughter Scout Willis recently praised stepmom Emma Heming Willis. Shortly after the Die Hard star’s wife opened about his diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and their family’s journey with the disease, her stepdaughter shared her support in a heartfelt post on social media.
“I TRULY could not be more proud of @emmahemingwillis for being willing to step out into the public eye, (even though it’s terrifying!!!) to share our family’s story in service of spreading awareness about FTD,” Scout wrote on Instagram Stories Sept. 25 alongside footage from the model’s appearance on Today.
“Emma you are such a champion for this cause and you inspire me EVERY SINGLE F–KING DAY with your bravery and deep deep loving. Your courage is moving mountains #FTD #FTDawareness.”
Tallulah Willis—who, in addition to Scout and Rumer Willis, Bruce shares with ex Demi Moore—echoed her sister’s message by resharing the post.
Emma’s appearance on Today came amid World Frontotemporal Dementia Awareness Week. During her Sept. 25 interview, the entrepreneur—who shares daughters Mabel, 11, and Evelyn, 9, with Bruce—spoke about the impact the disease has had on the whole family.
“What I’m learning is that dementia is hard,” she explained. “It’s hard on the person diagnosed. It’s also hard on the family, and that is no different for Bruce or myself or our girls. And when they say that this is a family disease, it really is.”
Emma noted she’s been honest with their children about what Bruce is going through.
“It was important that we let them know what it is,” she added, “because I don’t want there to be any stigma or shame attached to their dad’s diagnosis or for any form of dementia.”
