Emma Willis Opens Up on Heartbreaking Choices for Bruce and Their Daughters
Bruce Willis' Wife Opens Up About His Heartbreaking Dementia Struggle: "It's Like He's Fading Away"
In a candid and emotional interview, Emma Heming Willis, 47, wife of action hero Bruce Willis, 70, revealed the devastating reality of living with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) - a disease that's slowly erasing his personality, language skills, and memory. The actress, model, and caretaker opened up about her husband's harrowing journey in an exclusive interview on ABC's special "Emma and Bruce Willis: The Unexpected Journey," set to air on September 9.
The Hardest Decision: Keeping the Kids Safe
For Emma, one of the toughest decisions she had to make was relocating their two young daughters, Mabel (13) and Evelyn (11), from the family home where Bruce lives with a full-time care team. The couple's 70-year-old husband has been diagnosed with FTD, a rare form of dementia that affects about 1 in 20 patients.
"I knew it was what would be best for our daughters," Emma explained, her voice cracking with emotion. "Bruce would want them to have a normal life, not one where they're constantly worrying about their father's condition."
The family has found an alternative home that caters specifically to children, allowing Mabel and Evelyn to visit their father frequently. Emma revealed that the girls spend quality time with Bruce by having breakfast and dinner together, engaging in activities like watching movies or playing outside.
"It's a beautiful space filled with love, warmth, and care," Emma gushed about the new home. "Bruce's friends continue to support him, bringing life and laughter into his daily routine."
Life After Diagnosis: Panic, Fear, and Uncertainty
When the brain scan confirmed the FTD diagnosis in 2023, Emma was devastated. "I couldn't pronounce it for a while," she admitted, recalling her initial reaction. "It was like I was free-falling. I just felt so scared."
The model-turned-caregiver revealed that Bruce didn't seem to grasp what was happening to him either. "He didn't connect the dots," Emma explained sorrowfully.
Emma's been on a mission to raise awareness about FTD, sharing her experience through her book and advocating for research into this lesser-known form of dementia.
A Struggle to Communicate: A New Way to Connect
As Bruce's ability to speak fades away, the family has adapted by finding new ways to communicate. Emma explained that they've developed a unique method of interaction, using non-verbal cues and gestures.
"It's not the same as before," she acknowledged, "but we're grateful that he's still here with us." Despite his physical decline, Bruce remains mobile and in good health - it's just his brain that's failing him.
Early Warning Signs: The Subtle Slip
Emma shared a poignant account of how they first noticed something was amiss. At first, Bruce became increasingly quiet during family gatherings, almost "melt[ing] away." He soon began to struggle with finding words and an old stutter he had as a child reappeared.
FTD, Emma explained, affects the areas of the brain responsible for language, behavior, and personality. Unlike Alzheimer's disease, FTD patients don't immediately lose their memory but instead undergo profound changes in their personalities.
A Rarity Among Dementia Cases
Frontotemporal dementia accounts for only about 1% to 2% of all dementia cases in the United States - roughly 50,000 to 60,000 Americans are affected. This compares to over 6 million people living with Alzheimer's disease.
Emma Heming Willis' candid interview serves as a powerful reminder that dementia can strike anyone, at any age. As she navigates this challenging journey alongside her husband and daughters, Emma continues to advocate for greater awareness about FTD and the need for research into this devastating condition.
"I Would Ask Him How He's Doing Today"
In an emotional moment in the interview, Emma revealed what she would ask her husband if they could have a conversation today: "How he's doing. If he's okay. If there's anything we can do to support him better."
With love and resilience guiding them through this tough time, Emma Heming Willis remains committed to caring for Bruce and their family as they face the realities of living with FTD.
This article is brought to you by The Scholarly Note (thescholarlynote.com).