After retiring from acting in March 2022 due to a speaking disorder called aphasia, Bruce Willis, 67, has since been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, his family announced Thursday.
"Since we announced Bruce's diagnosis of aphasia in spring 2022, Bruce's condition has progressed," the Willis family noted in a statement. "Unfortunately, challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease Bruce faces. While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis."
People with FTD typically live six to eight years with the condition, according to the US National Institute on Aging. Between 10 per cent and 30 per cent of FTD cases are inherited. Other than genetics, there are no other known risk factors, although researchers are investigating what role the thyroid and insulin may play in the onset of the disease.
There are two other types of FTD. Behavior variant frontotemporal dementia, or bvFTD, is characterized by changes in executive functions, thinking and planning. In primary progressive aphasia, or PPA, the person might have trouble speaking or understanding words or might slur their speech. Over time, they may fail to recognize familiar faces and objects. Some may become mute.
Motor neuron FTD disorders may not affect memory, cognition, language or behavior, especially at first. Initial signs may include the inability to control movements, or issues with balance and walking. A hallmark sign of one of those disorders, progressive supranuclear palsy, is difficulty with looking down or other eye movements.
A speech-language pathologist can help determine the best strategies and tools for an FTD patient struggling with language skills. Physical or occupational therapy, guided by a doctor specializing in these disorders, may help with movement symptoms.
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