Bruce Willis Health Update: How Is Life-Expectancy with Frontotemporal Dementia?

In a statement released on Thursday, Bruce Willis' family informed the public that the actor has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). In the statement, his family mentioned that although the diagnosis is painful, it is a relief to have a clear idea about the disease.

In light of Bruce Willis' health update on frontotemporal dementia, we will discuss more about this form of dementia.

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Bruce Willis Health Update

Bruce Willis' frontotemporal dementia diagnosis was announced in a statement by his family, including his daughters, wife Emma Hemming Willis, and ex-wife Demi Moore.

“Today there are no treatments for the disease, a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead. As Bruce’s condition advances, we hope that any media attention can be focused on shining a light on this disease that needs far more awareness and research,” the statement read.

Earlier in 2022, Bruce Willis family announced that the actor will be taking a break as he was diagnosed with aphasia, which is also affecting his cognitive abilities.

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What is Frontotemporal Dementia?

Frontotemporal dementia tends to be an umbrella term used for a group of brain disorders that primarily impact the temporal and frontal lobes of the brain. The temporal and frontal lobes of the brain are more likely to be associated with language, behavior, and personality. Frontotemporal dementia causes the shrinking of these lobes.

Sometimes people go through dramatic changes because of this disease such as the inability to properly use the language, significant changes in personality, impulsiveness, emotional indifference, and being socially inappropriate.

Symptoms of frontotemporal dementia generally include behavioral changes, motor disorders, and speech and language problems.

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Life Expectancy with Frontotemporal Dementia

As of now, there are no approved treatments or cures for frontotemporal dementia. The life expectancy of people diagnosed with this disease ranges from 7 to 13 years.

Experts claim that the number of people that are suffering from this disease is more likely to be higher, but they do not get diagnosed because healthcare professionals cannot associate their symptoms with dementia in the beginning.

Frontotemporal dementia often gets misdiagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or psychiatric problems. On average, it often takes a couple of years before frontotemporal dementia is diagnosed.

“We know in our hearts that – if he could today – he would want to respond by bringing global attention and a connectedness to those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease and how it impacts so many individuals and their families,” Bruce Willis' family in a statement.