Earlier in 2023, Bruce Willis wad diagnosed with a less common type of dementia. His daughter, Tallulah Willis, 29, gave an update on her dad's health on an episode of The Drew Barrymore Show that aired on November 8.
“He has a really aggressive cognitive disease, a form of dementia that’s very rare," Tallulah shared on the show. Tallulah and other members of Bruce's family made the decision to speak up about the former actor's health in order to help raise awareness of frontotemporal dementia.
The Willises released a statement when Bruce was diagnosed with FTD in February. "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," they said in the statement.
Though it has been difficult for Tallulah to cope with her dad's diagnosis, she also values the time she is able to spend with him. She explained that she has been listening to music with her dad and describes it as "really special" to be able to share that experience with him.
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"I see love when I'm with him, and it's my dad and he loves me," she shared.
She has also found new ways to feel closer to her dad. "A really beautiful way for me to heal through this is becoming like an archaeologist to my dad’s stuff, his world, his little trinkets and doodads,” she said. Looking through photos of Bruce when he was her age also helps her feel connected to him because of the similarities in their personalities: "He's an absurd person, and I'm an absurd person," she explained.
Symptoms of FTD can vary, but "FTD can affect behavior, personality, language, and movement," notes Johns Hopkins Medicine. In the statement released by the Willis family, they shared that communication challenges are not the only symptom of FTD. They admitted that the diagnosis was "painful" but were also relieved by the "clear diagnosis."
