Bruce Willis’ Wife, Emma, Opens Up About The Actor Living Unaware Of His Dementia Diagnosis

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Bruce Willis and wife Emma (Photo by Burak Akbulut/Anadolu via Getty Images) Bruce & Daughter (Instagram/EmmaWillis)

Bruce Willis Diagnosed With Life Altering Condition

Actor Bruce Willis was first diagnosed with aphasia, a condition affecting his ability to communicate, in the spring of 2022. 

In February 2023, his family confirmed that his condition had progressed to frontotemporal dementia, a more specific and serious form of cognitive decline, forcing him to retire from acting.

His wife, Emma, shared a post on Father’s Day last year, providing a small glimpse into Bruce’s journey and how the diagnosis has drastically changed their family’s life.

Bruce’s Wife, Emma, Becomes His Greatest Advocate

Emma posted on her Instagram story that she remained sad over their new reality, and wishes things were easier for her family.

“I’m profoundly sad today,” she continued. “I wish, with every cell in my body, that things could be different for him and lighter for our family.”

Emma says that acceptance has helped her continue living for their two daughters, Mabel and Evelyn. She shared a number of old photos to her story of Bruce with the girls, saying she mourned for the days the actor was healthy.

“And while that might sound dismissive, to me, it’s not. It grounds me. It helps me return to the acceptance of what is and not fight this every step of the way like I used to.”

RELATED: Demi Moore Praises Bruce Willis’ Wife For Caregiving During His Difficult Health Journey

Emma Says Her Husband Is Unaware Of His Diagnosis

During a recent conversation with Cameron Oaks Rogers on her podcast, Conversations with Cam, Emma shared that Bruce isn’t truly aware of his diagnosis.

“I think that’s like the blessing and the curse of this, is that he never connected the dots that he had this disease, and I’m really happy about that. I’m really happy that he doesn’t know about it,” Emma shared.

According to Emma, Bruce has what’s called “anosognosia,” a condition where “your brain can’t recognize one or more other health conditions you have.” She shared this is common among those battling mental health disorders.

“People think this might be denial, like they don’t want to go to the doctor because they’re like, ‘I’m fine, I’m fine,’ actually, this is the anosognosia that comes into play. It’s not denial. It’s just that their brain is changing. This is a part of the disease,” she further explained.

Emma has become a powerful advocate in the world of dementia awareness since Bruce’s diagnosis, raising funds and community support for FTD research and resources.

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