Actor Bruce Willis has been diagnosed with dementia, which developed from a previous diagnosis of aphasia last spring, his family announced Thursday.
More specifically, Willis has frontotemporal dementia, which can include aphasia, which brings challenges with speaking and writing.
“Sadly, the challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease Bruce faces,” his family said. “While it is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis.”
Willis’ family said last year the actor was walking away from his decades-long career because of his deteriorating cognition.
What is frontotemporal dementia?
Frontotemporal dementia, also known as FTD, is one of several types of dementia and causes nerve damage in the frontal and temporal lobes, leading to loss of function in those areas, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
There are different types of frontotemporal dementia. Behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia causes nerve loss in areas of the brain that control empathy, judgment, and conduct.
Primary progressive aphasia degenerates the parts of the brain that control speaking, writing, and understanding. The onset of symptoms usually begins before the age of 65 but can occur later.
FTD can also impair motor function and movement, which can be classified as Lou Gehrig’s disease, also known as ALS.
How is FTD different from Alzheimer’s?
FTD is diagnosed between a person in their 40s and 60s, while Alzheimer’s occurs at a later age. Alzheimer’s is also more closely associated with hallucinations, memory loss, and issues with spatial orientation, such as getting lost.
Treatment and diagnosis
Doctors use brain imaging techniques such as MRI to diagnose FTD. The results are analyzed in conjunction with the patient’s medical history and symptoms. About 30% of people with frontotemporal degeneration inherit the disease; There are no known risk factors.
There are medications that can help relieve symptoms, but eventually, the disease gets worse over time.