Demi Moore has offered a poignant update regarding Bruce Willis’ health journey, amidst his frontotemporal dementia (FTD) diagnosis, while also extending words of wisdom for families navigating similar challenges.
The actress, known for her role in “Feud,” recently appeared on “Good Morning America” to discuss Willis, who received his FTD diagnosis in 2023. Moore’s insights provide a glimpse into how their family is coping and offer valuable perspective for others facing dementia. “I think given the givens, he’s doing very well,” Moore stated, reflecting on Willis’ current condition.
Demi Moore and Bruce Willis during happier times, highlighting their enduring family connection as they navigate Bruce's frontotemporal dementia diagnosis.
In addition to sharing an update, Moore emphasized the importance of adapting to the present when dealing with dementia. Speaking about the advice she gives her children – Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah – whom she shares with Willis, Moore explained, “What I’ll share is what I say to my children, which (is) it’s important to just meet them where they’re at and not hold onto what isn’t, but what is, because there’s great beauty and sweetness and loving and joy out of that.” This philosophy of acceptance and present moment awareness resonates deeply with the realities of dementia care.
Moore echoed a similar sentiment in a conversation with Andy Cohen on Sirius XM. When asked about advice for those caring for loved ones with dementia, she articulated the significance of letting go of past expectations. “When you let go of who they’ve been, or who you think they (are), or who even you would like them to be, you can then really stay in the present and take in the joy and the love that is present and there for all that they are, not all that they’re not,” Moore shared. This powerful message underscores the need to cherish the moments of connection and love that remain, even as the disease progresses.
Bruce Willis’ journey with cognitive decline became public in March 2022 when his family announced his retirement from acting due to aphasia, a language disorder impacting cognitive abilities. Subsequently, in February 2023, the family provided a more specific diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia, highlighting the progression of his condition. “Unfortunately, challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease Bruce faces,” the family’s statement revealed, while also expressing relief at finally having a definitive diagnosis.
Frontotemporal dementia, or FTD, is characterized by a group of disorders resulting from the degeneration of the frontal and/or temporal lobes of the brain, according to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration. This degeneration leads to various symptoms, including changes in personality, behavior, and language.
Adding to the understanding of Willis’ current state, Glenn Gordon Caron, the creator of “Moonlighting” and a friend of Willis, shared in October with The New York Post that the actor is “not totally verbal.” Despite the significant impact on his language skills, Caron emphasized that “when you’re with him you know that he’s Bruce,” suggesting that while communication may be altered, Willis’ essence and personality remain recognizable to those who know him.
Emma Heming, Bruce Willis’ current wife, has also been open about the emotional challenges of caregiving. In Instagram posts in 2023, she spoke about experiencing “times of sadness every day, grief every day,” underscoring the profound emotional toll that dementia care can take on family members.
Demi Moore’s recent update and heartfelt advice serve as a reminder of the complexities of dementia and the importance of approaching caregiving with compassion, acceptance, and a focus on the love that persists. Her words offer solace and guidance for families navigating the difficult path of dementia, emphasizing the beauty and joy that can still be found in the present moment.
