Bruce Willis' loved ones are rallying behind the actor, who has beendiagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.
TheDie Hardstar’s family — wifeEmma Heming Willis, their children,Mabel, 10, andEvelyn, 8, ex-wifeDemi Mooreand their childrenRumer Willis, 34,Scout Willis, 31, andTallulah Willis, 29 — have been focused on helping him “live as full a life as possible,” according to a statement from the family.
“The focus for Bruce is to keep him active. He has a busy schedule with activities every day. They make sure both his body and brain is exercised,” a family source tells PEOPLE in this week’s issue.
“The family is all closer than ever,” the source says, adding that Emma, 44, is trying to make as many positive memories for Mabel and Evelyn as she can. “She wants them to remember Bruce as an amazing, fun dad. She wants them to have the best memories of him.”
Bruce Willis and his family.Demi Moore Instagram
The family gave an update on the 67-year-old actor’s health in a statement on Thursday, 11 months after they disclosed he was diagnosed with aphasia, a language disorder affecting his cognitive abilities.
“Since weannounced Bruce’s diagnosis of aphasiain spring 2022, Bruce’s condition has progressed and we now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia (known as FTD).”
“Unfortunately, challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease Bruce faces. While this is painful, it is arelief to finally have a clear diagnosis,” the statement continues.
Frontotemporal dementia is an all-encompassing term for a group of brain disorders that threatens thefrontal and temporal lobes of the brain. This means that parts of these lobes atrophy, and the shrinking of these areas can cause speech issues, emotional problems and changes in personality.
Other symptoms can include loss of motor skills — problems walking, swallowing or muscle spasms. Symptoms tend to get worse over time. Patients typically begin to notice symptoms between 40 - 65 years of age, but it can affect people who are younger. It is the most common form of dementiafor people under 60.
For more on Bruce Willis' diagnosis, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday, or subscribehere.
source: people.com
