17 February 2023 , 18:02
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Hollywood legend Bruce Willis has shared an update on his health with the rare form of frontotemporal dementia.
The actor, 67, shared an emotional statement with fans across the globe who have anxiously awaited the Die Hard star's fate following his retirement from acting in March last year.
He also announced he was suffering from aphasia — a condition which has affected his cognitive abilities.
Now the star, who is supported by his wife and children, has updated his diagnosis and the 'painful' difficulties he could face but have told of their relief that they now have a full diagnosis in front of them.
Bruce Willis hopes to raise awareness of his condition (AFP via Getty Images)The statement reads: "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).
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"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 new statement on Thursday said they hoped media attention would raise awareness of the actor's condition.
So with this in mind...
What is Frontotemporal dementia?
Willis announced his retirement last year after a phenomenal acting career (Instagram)According to the Alzheimers Society, Frontotemporal dementia is a rare type of dementia that causes problems with behaviour and language.
It is sometimes called Pick's disease or frontal lobe dementia. The first noticeable FTD symptoms are changes to personality and behaviour and/or difficulties with language.
The word ‘frontotemporal’ refers to the two sets of lobes (frontal and temporal) in the brain that are damaged in this type of dementia. FTD occurs when the disease damages nerve cells in these lobes.
There is no exact cause for why this happens, but there's often a genetic link.
What are the typical symptoms?
Willis shared a family photo at Christmas after he previously told he was diagnosed with asphasia (Instagram)While dementia mostly affects people over 65, frontotemporal dementia tends to start at a younger age. Most cases are diagnosed in people aged 45-65, although it can also affect younger or older people.
Like other types of dementia, frontotemporal dementia tends to develop slowly and get gradually worse over several years.
As a result, symptoms become similar to the later stages of other types of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
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The person may:
- become forgetful
- have delusions or hallucinations
- get restless or agitated easily, or behave aggressively
- no longer recognise friends and family
What's the treatment and prognosis for FTD?
Bruce's family shared an emotional statement confirming the news (AFP via Getty Images)Like other types of dementia, FTD is a progressive condition meaning following diagnosis more symptoms will emerge and gradually become more debilitating over time.
There is currently no cure for dementia and the progression of the disease cannot be slowed down.
Alongside FTD there are three conditions which are more likely to affect people with FTD these are:
- Motor neurone disease
- Progressive supranuclear palsy
- Corticobasal syndrome.
On average, people live eight to 10 years after diagnosis, but some people live much longer.