Bruce Willis stricken with ‘cruel’ disease that has already stolen his ability to speak for himself

Former actor Bruce Willis has a form of dementia that will likely shorten his life and may well put him in need of constant care. It has already taken his ability to speak on his own behalf.

He was recently diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, which his family describes as “a cruel disease that many of us have never heard of and can strike anyone.”

The family announced the diagnosis on the website of the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, saying they hope the resulting media attention will raise awareness and support for research.

There’s no cure for frontotemporal dementia, which is related to neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and is the most common form of dementia for people under 60.

Willis is 67. It’s clear he’s been ill for a while. His family announced last March that he was retiring due to aphasia, which interferes with the ability to understand speech or speak.

Last week, his family said his condition has progressed, leading to the recent diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia.

About 50,000 to 60,000 people in the United States have frontotemporal dementia, The Washington Post reported.

Doctors believe it’s likely caused by abnormal proteins such as tau accumulating in the brain and killing cells over time, according to experts interviewed by The Washington Post.

Doctors believe it’s likely the result of genetic factors although events such as head trauma may contribute.

It normally strikes between the ages of 40 and 60; it may take a few years for symptoms to become clear enough to produce a diagnosis.

Common symptoms include changes in behavior such as a person becoming more impulsive or uninhibited.

The Washington Post interviewed Andrew Budson, the chief of cognitive and behavioral neurology, associate chief of staff for education, and director of the Center for Translational Cognitive Neuroscience at the Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System.

“For example, a polite person may become rude and a kind person may become self-centered,” Budson said. “There may also be a lack of self-control that sometimes causes overeating of foods, such as an entire jar of mayonnaise, which one of my patients ate.”

People typically live 7 to 13 years following diagnosis.

The main treatment involves helping patients and their families manage symptoms, which can include anxiety, depression and aggressiveness.

Patients typically need care with basic things such as dressing.

Willis no longer speaks publicly. His family said he would want his situation to lead to greater understanding of his illness.

“Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately. We know in our hearts that – if he could today — he would want to respond by bringing global attention and a connectedness with those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease and how it impacts so many individuals and their families,” they said.

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