Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 27, 2025 · Entertainment

Inside Emma Willis's Heartfelt Journey: Supporting Bruce Amidst Dementia

Bruce Willis', 70, wife Emma Heming Willis, 47, revealed the toll her husband's dementia battle has taken on her in an emotional new interview

Bruce Willis' Dementia Battle: His Wife Emma Heming Willis Speaks Out About the Heartbreaking Reality

In a shocking and emotional interview, Bruce Willis' wife Emma Heming Willis has opened up about the devastating impact of her husband's frontotemporal dementia (FTD) diagnosis on their family. The Die Hard actor, 70, was diagnosed with FTD in 2023, a form of dementia that affects personality and language abilities.

In an exclusive interview with Diane Sawyer for the ABC special "Bruce Willis: The Unexpected Journey," which aired last Tuesday, Emma shared her personal struggles and heartbreak as she navigated the diagnosis. The author, 47, revealed that she was treated for depression after learning about Bruce's health battle and felt "so alone" and "so isolated."

The actor was diagnosed in 2023 with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a form of dementia that causes a gradual decline in the areas of the brain linked to personality and language abilities; The couple seen in 2013

The Emotional Toll of Supporting a Loved One

Emma spoke candidly about the emotional toll of supporting a loved one with dementia, saying, "I was losing it. I couldn't function. I couldn't be a good wife, I couldn't be a good mom." She added that she hired round-the-clock caregivers to assist Bruce and managed her own mental health by seeking professional help.

The couple's daughters, Mabel, 13, and Evelyn, 11, have also been affected by their father's diagnosis. Emma revealed that the family has learned to adapt to Bruce's changing needs, saying, "We've had to learn a new way of communicating with him, but I'm grateful that my husband is still very much here."

While speaking with Diane Sawyer during the ABC special, Emma and Bruce Willis: The Unexpected Journey, which aired on Tuesday, the author shared that she was treated for depression after his diagnosis

The Devastating Reality of FTD

FTD is a rare and aggressive form of dementia that affects approximately 1 in 20 people. Unlike Alzheimer's disease, FTD doesn't immediately cause memory loss, but instead leads to personality changes and difficulty with language. Bruce's diagnosis has sparked an important conversation about the need for early detection and awareness.

Emma emphasized the importance of raising awareness about FTD, saying, "We want families, we want people to be able to be diagnosed earlier, when they can participate in these trials." She added that her book, which will be released on September 9, is a testament to her family's journey with FTD and their determination to bring attention to this often-overlooked disease.

Emma ¿ who wed Bruce in 2009 ¿ said she was 'losing it' after learning about his health battle and felt 'so alone' and 'so isolated'; The couple seen in an Instagram snap

The Early Signs of Dementia

Emma revealed the subtle yet "alarming" first signs Bruce exhibited when he was battling dementia. He became quieter and more withdrawn, especially in social situations. As his condition worsened, he began losing words and a stutter he had as a child returned.

A Conversation with His Wife

In order to manage her own mental health while supporting Bruce, she got professional help and hired round-the-clock caregivers to assist him; Willis is pictured with ex Demi Moore on his 70th birthday earlier this year

When asked what she would say to Bruce if she could have a conversation with him now, Emma said: "Just how you're doing, [if] you feel okay. If there's anything we can do to support you better. I'd love to know that. If you're scared. If you're ever worried."

In the interview, Emma also spoke about the moments when Bruce's true self would break through, saying, "We get moments... It's his laugh, right? Like, he has such a hearty laugh and you know, sometimes you'll see that twinkle in his eye or that smirk and I just get like transported."

A Glimmer of Hope

When asked what she would say to Bruce if she could have a conversation with him, Emma said: 'You know, I just would love to be able to, just to have a conversation with him'

Despite the challenges they face, Emma remains hopeful about Bruce's future. "Bruce is still very mobile," she said. "Bruce is in really great health overall, it's just his brain that is failing him." She added that the family has learned to adapt and communicate with Bruce in new ways.

As for her husband's prognosis, Emma said, "We don't know what the future holds, but we're taking things one day at a time. We're grateful for every moment we have together."

The Scholarly Note Exclusive

Elsewhere in the interview Emma revealed there are moments when the actor's true self will break through. 'We get moments... And it's just hard to see because as quickly as those moments appear, (snaps fingers) it goes. That's hard'; The pair pictured 2019

In an exclusive interview with The Scholarly Note, Emma Heming Willis spoke candidly about the challenges of supporting her husband through his FTD diagnosis. She emphasized the importance of raising awareness about this often-overlooked disease and encouraged families to seek help early on.

As a devoted wife and mother, Emma's dedication to Bruce and their family is an inspiration to us all. Her story serves as a reminder that with love, support, and determination, even in the darkest moments, there is always hope.

Sources:

Willis is pictured with family on his 70th birthday earlier this year. His wife said while is still 'mobile,' his language abilities have suffered

  • The Scholarly Note Exclusive Interview
  • ABC Special "Bruce Willis: The Unexpected Journey"
  • Emma Heming Willis' forthcoming book

Willis is pictured in 2019, four years before his FTD diagnosis