"I could breathe, you know, I could truly exhale and feel this burden lift from my shoulders. But everything shifted positively once we were able to reveal his condition," Heming Willis expressed in a
video posted on Tuesday by The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration during their 2024 Education Conference.
"I could witness the assistance that I so urgently required for my spouse, for our entire family," the 45-year-old elaborated.
Initially diagnosed with aphasia in 2022, Bruce Willis received an additional diagnosis of FTD about six months later, as confirmed by his family.
"Since we disclosed Bruce's
aphasia diagnosis in spring 2022, his condition has progressed, leading to a more precise diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia (FTD)," stated Willis' family in a released statement. "While the challenges in communication are distressing, having a definitive diagnosis brings some relief."
FTD, as defined by the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is a prevalent form of dementia characterized by alterations in personality and behavior, along with difficulties in language skills, including speaking and understanding words. The
National Institute of Aging notes that individuals with FTD may struggle to regulate their behaviors and lack awareness of their condition.
Heming Willis, who has two daughters with Bruce Willis and serves as stepmother to his three older children with actress Demi Moore, has been outspoken on social media regarding their family's journey and her role as a caregiver.
"There were numerous motives for going public, but primarily, the experience was isolating, and I felt the need to keep it discreet. It was about our daughters, and I didn't want them to perceive it as some family secret," Heming Willis shared with the audience at the AFTD 2024 Education Conference. "It was crucial for us to speak out and reveal the truth."
Heming Willis is currently crafting a book on caregiving, slated for publication in 2025 by publishing imprint The Open Field.
"I aim for this book to reach caregivers, especially those who are new to the role and have just received life-altering news," she stated in a February announcement regarding the forthcoming book. "They need to understand they are not alone, and there is support and even hope available."
