Bruce Willis’s Dementia Battle: Language Skills Severely Impacted, Says Friend

Beloved actor Bruce Willis is “not totally verbal” amid his battle with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), according to his friend and the creator of the TV show “Moonlighting,” Glenn Gordon Caron.

In an interview with the New York Post, Caron said that Willis’s communication skills have been severely impacted by the disease. “He used to be a voracious reader—he didn’t want anyone to know that—and he’s not reading now,” Caron said. “All those language skills are no longer available to him, and yet he’s still Bruce.”

Despite the challenges Willis is facing, Caron said that he is still the same person at heart. “When you’re with him you know that he’s Bruce and you’re grateful that he’s there,” Caron said. “But the joie de vivre is gone.”

Willis was diagnosed with FTD in March 2023, after previously being diagnosed with aphasia, a language disorder that can cause difficulty with speaking, writing, and understanding language. FTD is a type of dementia that affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which are responsible for personality, behavior, language, and decision-making.

There is no cure for FTD, and the disease progresses over time. However, there are treatments available to help manage the symptoms, such as speech therapy and cognitive rehabilitation.

Willis’s family has asked for privacy as they navigate this difficult time. They have also expressed their gratitude for the support of Willis’s fans and friends.

Willis is one of the most beloved and successful actors of his generation. He has starred in numerous hit films, including “Die Hard,” “Pulp Fiction,” and “The Sixth Sense.” He has also won numerous awards, including two Golden Globes and an Emmy.

Willis’s diagnosis is a reminder of the devastating impact that dementia can have on individuals and their families. It is also a reminder of the importance of supporting research into dementia and developing new treatments and therapies.

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