Bruce Willis has frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a form of dementia that can affect personality, behaviour and language before the memory problems commonly associated with the disease become prominent.

The 71-year-old actor's wife, Emma Heming Willis, is using World FTD Awareness Week to draw attention to the condition, saying her husband's diagnosis has become the 'driving force' behind her advocacy work.

Heming Willis said Bruce had 'opened so many doors' for her in her efforts to support families affected by FTD and other forms of dementia. She also said she would not let his diagnosis 'be in vain', highlighting the need for greater awareness and support for caregivers.

The actor was first diagnosed with aphasia, a condition affecting language, in 2022. His family announced his FTD diagnosis in 2023.

What Is Frontotemporal Dementia?

FTD is a group of brain disorders caused by progressive damage to nerve cells, particularly in the frontal and temporal lobes.

These regions play important roles in behaviour, personality, decision-making and language. As a result, FTD can initially look very different from Alzheimer's disease, where memory problems are often more prominent in the early stages.

FTD is also more likely to affect people at a younger age. Most cases are diagnosed between 45 and 65, although it can occur outside this age range.

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How Does FTD Affect the Brain?

The effects depend partly on which areas of the frontal and temporal lobes are most affected.

Some people develop major changes in personality or behaviour. They may become unusually impulsive, lose inhibitions, show less empathy or interest in others, or develop repetitive behaviours. These changes can sometimes occur without the person recognising that their behaviour has changed.

Others primarily develop language problems, known as primary progressive aphasia. This can make it increasingly difficult to find words, understand language, construct sentences or speak.

As the disease progresses, some people develop problems with planning, judgement and concentration. Physical symptoms, including stiffness, muscle weakness and difficulty swallowing, can also occur in later stages.

Why FTD Can Be Difficult to Diagnose

There is no single test that can confirm FTD. Doctors generally assess symptoms, cognitive abilities and medical history while using blood tests and brain scans to rule out other conditions. MRI, CT or PET scans may help identify changes in areas of the brain affected by dementia.

Early behavioural or language changes can also be mistaken for psychiatric conditions or other neurological disorders, making diagnosis challenging.

What Happens as FTD Progresses?

FTD usually develops gradually and becomes more severe over several years. As brain-cell damage progresses, communication, behaviour, movement and the ability to manage everyday activities can become increasingly affected. Eventually, many people require substantial support or full-time care.

There is currently no cure that can stop or reverse FTD. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, maintaining independence where possible and supporting both the person with dementia and their caregivers.

For Heming Willis, that caregiver support has become a major part of her advocacy. Her Emma & Bruce Willis Fund focuses on FTD awareness, research, and resources for caregivers, reflecting the wider impact of the disease beyond the person diagnosed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is frontotemporal dementia (FTD)?
    FTD is a group of brain disorders caused by progressive damage to nerve cells, particularly in the frontal and temporal lobes, affecting behaviour, personality, decision-making, and language.
  • How does FTD differ from Alzheimer's disease?
    FTD often affects behaviour and language first, whereas Alzheimer's disease typically begins with memory problems.
  • What are the symptoms of FTD?
    Symptoms include changes in personality or behaviour, language problems, and in later stages, physical symptoms like muscle weakness and difficulty swallowing.
  • Why is FTD difficult to diagnose?
    There is no single test for FTD; diagnosis involves assessing symptoms, cognitive abilities, and medical history, and ruling out other conditions with tests and scans.
  • Is there a cure for FTD?
    There is currently no cure for FTD. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and supporting both the person with dementia and their caregivers.