Bruce Willis Battles Health Issues: Unable to Speak, Read, or Walk Now

Legendary Hollywood actor Bruce Willis, known for his unforgettable performances in Die Hard, Pulp Fiction, and The Sixth Sense, is facing a heartbreaking health crisis. At 70, Willis is now unable to speak, read, or walk due to the rapid progression of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) — a degenerative brain disorder.

Willis officially retired from acting in 2022 after being diagnosed with aphasia, a condition that impairs communication. In early 2023, his family confirmed that his condition had advanced to FTD — a more aggressive neurological disorder affecting language, behavior, and motor functions.

FTD primarily targets the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which govern personality, movement, and language. As the disease progresses, individuals lose the ability to communicate, recognize words, move independently, and perform daily tasks. Once known for his sharp dialogue and physical performances, Willis now requires round-the-clock care and is unable to recall key parts of his life and career.

His family, who has remained by his side through this painful journey, has asked for privacy while they cope with the emotional and physical toll of the disease.

What Is Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)?

Frontotemporal dementia is a progressive brain condition that typically appears between ages 45 and 64. It is often misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s disease or a psychiatric disorder because of its unusual early symptoms.

Unlike Alzheimer’s, which starts with memory loss, FTD usually begins with dramatic changes in personality, behavior, or language. Early signs may include:

Difficulty finding the right words

Sudden mood swings or inappropriate social behavior

Apathy, lack of empathy, or impulsiveness

As FTD worsens, patients may:

Lose the ability to speak, read, or write

Struggle with basic motor skills and coordination

Require full-time caregiving for walking, eating, and hygiene

In later stages, muscle control deteriorates, making tasks like swallowing or using the bathroom increasingly difficult.

Medical Perspective and Awareness

According to the Mayo Clinic, FTD results from the shrinking (atrophy) of the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes. Depending on which part of the brain is affected, symptoms may vary:

Some individuals show emotional detachment or socially inappropriate behavior

Others suffer from language loss or cognitive difficulties

FTD accounts for about 10% to 20% of all dementia cases but is frequently overlooked due to its early onset and non-typical symptoms. While there is currently no cure, early diagnosis, along with speech therapy, physical therapy, and emotional support, can improve quality of life and help slow the disease’s progression.

Bruce Willis’s diagnosis has brought much-needed attention to this lesser-known form of dementia, encouraging awareness, empathy, and support for those impacted by FTD around the world.