Bruce Willis’ Daughter Tallulah Shares Heartbreaking Details About His Aphasia Diagnosis

In early 2022, Bruce Willis’ family shared the news that the actor has been diagnosed with aphasia, a degenerative brain condition that affects cognitive abilities. However, in a recent essay for Vogue, his daughter Tallulah Willis shared previously unknown details about her father’s declining mental health and how it has affected their relationship over the years.

Initial Denial of the Condition

Tallulah reveals that her family noticed Bruce’s decline in cognitive abilities for years but initially chalked it up to his “Hollywood hearing loss.” However, as it grew more severe, she and her family became concerned, especially as he became more unresponsive.

Taking Cognizance of the Problem

Eventually, Tallulah realized that her father’s condition was more severe than they initially thought, and she took it personally. She recalls how she thought maybe her father had lost interest in her, especially after he had two children with his second wife, Emma Heming Willis. While this was far from the truth, Tallulah was battling anorexia and, at the time, was in a state of avoidance and denial about her father’s declining health.

A Painful Awakening

In the summer of 2021, Tallulah had an awakening that brought home the severity of her father’s condition. While attending a wedding on Martha’s Vineyard, she experienced a breakdown after realizing she would probably never get the chance to share a similar moment with her father. She wept bitterly in the bushes, knowing the situation was beyond her control.

Documenting Memories with Bruce

Since Bruce’s diagnosis, Tallulah has been documenting her memories with her father by taking a lot of photos whenever they’re together, saving every voice message her father sends her on a hard drive, and noting what they talk about each time. She describes this as a way of preserving her father’s memory for when he can no longer remind her of them.

FTD Diagnosis

In a less publicized revelation, not long after Bruce’s diagnosis with aphasia, he received another devastating diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), an uncommon type of the disease that causes a deterioration in behavior, personality, and language. FTD is caused by an abnormal build-up of proteins that damage cells in the front and sides of the brain.

Thankfully, He Still Knows Her

Tallulah describes Bruce’s aphasia as an unpredictable condition that can shift quickly, but there’s one silver lining – her father still knows who she is, and he lights up when she walks into the room. Although she’s aware that the condition may worsen, with occasional bad days, she thinks that he may always remember who she is.

The Family’s Statement

In early 2022, Willis’s family made a joint statement on his behalf, letting the world know that he would be stepping back from acting due to his diagnosis. In an Instagram post, they wrote, “This is a really challenging time for our family and we are so appreciative of your continued love, compassion, and support. We are moving through this as a strong family unit and wanted to bring his fans in because we know how much he means to you, as you do to him.”

Celebrities’ Words of Encouragement

After the news of Willis’s diagnosis went public, many celebrities, including John Travolta, shared words of support. John, who worked with Bruce on Pulp Fiction, shared a heartwarming tribute to the star, calling him a “generous soul.”

Conclusion

Bruce Willis’s battle with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia is a heartbreaking reminder of how debilitating these conditions can be. Still, it’s also a testament to the strength of the Willis family, who have demonstrated impressive resilience and unwavering love in the face of adversity.

FAQs

1. What is aphasia?

Aphasia is a condition that affects cognitive abilities. It is caused by brain damage that affects language skills, including the ability to speak, read, and write.

2. What causes FTD?

FTD is caused by an abnormal build-up of proteins that damage cells in the front and sides of the brain. It is most common in people between the ages of 45 and 64.

3. Can aphasia be treated?

Aphasia can be treated with speech therapy, which helps patients improve their language abilities. However, most people make significant progress but do not regain full pre-injury communication levels.

4. What is the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and FTD?

Alzheimer’s is a more common form of dementia that primarily affects the memory. In contrast, FTD affects the behavior, personality, and language skills and is less common.

5. What can I do to support those with aphasia and FTD?

You can offer support and understanding to those with aphasia and FTD by being patient, listening attentively, and using simple language. It’s also important to be flexible with communication methods, such as using written or visual aids.