Emma Heming Willis, Bruce Willis’ wife, is ready to launch her new book, which tells the story of her journey as her husband’s caregiver throughout his dementia. Maria Shiver’s publishing firm, the Open Field, is set to issue the book in 2025, offering structured guidance and aid to individuals whose loved ones are struggling with dementia.
Bruce Willis’ Dementia: A Journey Recorded Through Love, Care, And Proper Guidance
After being diagnosed in 2022 with a speech and language condition called aphasia, Bruce Willis decided to cease his acting career. It was later revealed that Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) was the primary cause of his aphasia. Since then, Emma Heming Willis, the wife of Bruce Willis, has taken a stand and raised awareness of this terrible illness that takes the lives of loved ones.
I was rewatching #LuckyNumberSlevin tonight & while this scene played it reminded me how underrated I believe this movie was and how sad Bruce Willis' illness & retirement truly are. The man gave us so many classic roles, as well as under appreciated ones like this. pic.twitter.com/d2tPvwrOSM
— Brett Dasovic (@Brettdasovic) February 8, 2024
According to the National Institute on Aging, frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a neurodiversity illness that affects people who experience emotional difficulties and struggle with walking, talking, and working. Sadly, there is currently no cure for this illness. Through her book, Emma Heming Willis has spoken up about the path she and her husband, Bruce Willis, took, hoping to encourage and support other caregivers.
“It’s hard on the person diagnosed, it’s also hard on the family. And that is no different for Bruce, or myself, or our girls. When they say this is a family disease, it really is.”
She stated in her interview with Today that this illness affects not just the one who is ill but also their entire family. Bruce Willis and Emma Heming Willis are the parents of two daughters, having tied the knot in 2009.
Emma is concerned about how the news of this disease is given to patients and their loved ones considering that there is no treatment for it. Emma stated that during her research, she has encountered people who have had similar experiences to her; people who have not received enough support or guidance about the disease.
“For many people, their first touch point about this disease is received in their doctor’s office. I think it’s very important how this information from doctor to patient and loved one is relayed. Having resources and information readily available is imperative. I know between my experience and other care partners that I have spoken to; our stories are unfortunately similar. We left that office with close to no resources or support and with a diagnosis that I could hardly pronounce.”
Even before Bruce’s disease came to light, his coworkers suspected something was wrong with him. Bruce struggled with his lines during each shoot, so his dialogues were rewritten to be shorter. He frequently had a perplexing expression as he struggled to recognize his surroundings, requiring shorter work days.
The Golden Raspberry Awards, a satirical award show infamous for criticizing the worst films and performances, included Bruce Willis in many of the categories in 2021; however, after his medical condition was discovered, they removed his name.
