The journey through a neurodegenerative diagnosis is often defined by what is lost, but for the Willis family, the focus has shifted toward finding new ways to remain tethered to one another.
Appearing on The Unexpected Journey podcast, with insights via TMZ, Emma Heming Willis offered a rare and intimate glimpse into her life with Bruce Willis following his diagnosis of Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). Her statements provide a necessary correction to common misconceptions about the disease, highlighting the specific neurological nuances that shape Bruce’s daily experience and the resilient spirit of their household.
Finding Connection Beyond the Diagnosis
Emma opened up about a specific neurological condition associated with FTD known as anosognosia, which explains why Bruce appears unaware of his cognitive decline. “There is this neurological condition that comes with FTD and other types of dementia that’s called anosognosia, where your brain can’t identify what is happening to it,” she explained. “Where people think this might be denial, like where they don’t want to go to the doctor because ‘I’m fine.’ It’s actually… this is the anosognosia that comes into play… Bruce never tapped in. He never connected the dots that he had this disease. I’m really happy about that. I’m really happy he doesn’t know about it.”
Despite the challenges of the disease, Emma emphasizes that Bruce remains an active participant in their family life, even if the nature of that participation has evolved. “He is still very much present in his body,” she noted, addressing the frequent questions she receives regarding his recognition of his loved ones. “When someone says to me, ‘Does Bruce still know who you are?’ Yes he does, because he doesn’t have Alzheimer’s he has FTD.”
This distinction is vital for Emma, as it underscores the unique way Bruce interacts with her and their children. “He has a way with connecting with me, our children, that might not be the same as you would connect with your loved one but it’s still very beautiful and meaningful,” she shared during the interview. “It’s just different. You just learn how to adapt.” Through this lens of adaptation, the Willis family continues to find light and love in the midst of a difficult transition.