Bruce Willis Faces Cognitive Challenges as Dementia Progresses

Bruce Willis is currently alive but grappling with severe cognitive challenges linked to frontotemporal dementia (FTD). His wife, Emma Heming Willis, provided an update on August 27, 2025, confirming that while his physical health remains stable, his cognitive abilities continue to decline. This update was shared during a preview for an upcoming ABC News special, where Emma discussed her husband’s condition and her role as his full-time caregiver.

The 70-year-old actor was diagnosed with aphasia in 2022, and doctors later confirmed FTD in 2023. This neurodegenerative disease affects the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes, resulting in significant changes in language, behavior, and movement. According to the National Institute on Aging, symptoms can include personality shifts, loss of speech, and diminished emotional expression. Unlike Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss is not as pronounced in the early stages of FTD, with communication and behavioral issues appearing more prominently.

Willis’ journey with this illness began with noticeable changes in his personality, including withdrawal from family gatherings and emotional detachment. In her interview, Emma revealed that despite these challenges, her husband remains physically mobile and generally healthy. However, his speech and comprehension have experienced significant decline. “The language is going, and we’ve learned to adapt,” she stated during the ABC interview. She also noted the presence of moments of recognition from Willis, such as his laughter and familiar facial expressions.

The moment of Willis’ diagnosis was abrupt for Emma, leaving her to navigate the emotional and practical aspects of caregiving with minimal guidance. She shared her experience with attendees at the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement Forum in May 2025, expressing feelings of being “lost, isolated and scared” while raising their two young daughters alongside caring for her husband. Her forthcoming book, The Unexpected Journey, is set to be released on September 9, 2025, and aims to document her experiences while providing support to other caregivers.

Emma has previously described the early signs that raised concerns about Willis’ health. He became quieter, declined social outings, and showed reduced interest in activities he once enjoyed. These behavioral shifts prompted further evaluations, ultimately leading to the diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia.

Currently, Willis resides at home with his family, receiving ongoing support from loved ones and healthcare professionals. Although he has stepped away from acting and public appearances, Emma notes that he remains present during brief moments of clarity and connection. “These glimpses — a laugh, a look — are meaningful for the family,” she remarked, even as they become less frequent.

Dementia affects nearly 7 million people in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Willis’ public diagnosis has contributed to increased awareness of frontotemporal dementia, a lesser-known form of the illness. Emma’s decision to openly discuss their experiences is part of a broader conversation about the challenges of caregiving, diagnostic gaps, and the realities faced by individuals with neurodegenerative diseases. She concluded her thoughts with a sentiment of gratitude, stating, “It’s hard, but I’m grateful. I’m grateful that my husband is still very much here.”