Bruce Willis' wife says he has not been 'robbed of his dignity' amid dementia

13 October 2023 , 15:04

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Emma Heming Willis shared an important message amid her husband's worsening dementia

Bruce Willis' wife Emma Heming Willis assured fans that her husband has not been "robbed of his dignity" despite his dementia decline.

Bruce's wife of 14 years took to social media this week to share the important message that although the Die Hard star's condition might be worsening, he still maintains his dignity. The 47-year-old English broadcaster reposted a quote from Teepa Snow, a Dementia Care Specialist, Friday morning that read: "Dementia doesn't rob someone of their dignity, it is our reaction to them that does." To which she reposted with the caption: "I couldn't agree more Teepa."

Emma has been by the retired actor's side every step of the way since his health first declined last year when his family revealed that he was suffering from a language disorder called aphasia. Now, a year later, Bruce has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (better known as FTD). Recently, it has been revealed that the 68-year-old star's condition has worsened and he can now barely speak and is "not totally verbal."

READ MORE:Bruce Willis can barely speak and is 'not totally verbal' amid dementia decline

Emma Heming Willis reposted an important message from Teepa Snow about dementia patients (teepasnows_pac/Instagram)

Emma has been a supportive 'care partner' for Bruce Willis ever since his health declined (Getty Images)

Others who have faced similar struggles took to the comments of Emma's latest Instagram post showing their support for Bruce and other dementia patients. With one fan writing: "This is everything !!! After many tears and struggles - I learned to meet my mom where she was at - not where I wanted her to be," with another agreeing: "What a great reminder for us all." And a third adding: "I have worked with dementia patients and I wanna thank you for being so open about Bruce's journey. The way you do it is beautiful, full of respect and love. All my love to you and your family, you are a bad a**."

Bruce Willis diagnosed with dementia as family release emotional statement

Since Bruce's diagnosis, Emma has worked to promote awareness for his form of dementia, educating her followers and the actor's fans about the condition. She previously was involved in a series of interviews and appearances for World Frontotemporal Dementia Awareness Week helping to advocate for patients and families battling with the disease.

Emma has also been very transparent and vulnerable about the emotions she has experienced working as Bruce's "care partner." In a YouTube video, she opened up about the "guilt" she felt when taking time for herself while caring for her husband. She explained: "I think it’s so hard to regulate sometimes how you’re feeling and I think sometimes caregivers feel so guilty, you know. God dare they look after themselves. But’s it’s so important in order to sustain," and added: "And I always say this, like you have to be able to look after yourself because you can’t look after the person that you love if you aren’t filling yourself up.”

Caroline Gaspich