The family of Bruce Willis revealed Thursday that the American actor has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.
Frontotemporal dementia is an uncommon type of dementia that causes problem with behaviour and language. Some of its symptoms include speaking slowly, struggling to make the right sound while saying a word.
His health challenge was made known through a statement on the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration’s website on Thursday.
The Hollywood actor was diagnosed with aphasia, which causes difficulties with speech in 2022, but it has progressed and he has been given a more specific diagnosis, the family added.
“As a family, we want to take this opportunity to thank you all for the outpouring of love and compassion for Bruce over the past ten months. Your generosity of spirit has been overwhelming, and we are tremendously grateful for it.
“For your kindness, and because we know you love Bruce as much as we do, we wanted to give you an update.
“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“, the statement reads.