Bruce Willis’ wife Emma Heming opens up on dementia diagnosis for first time

(NewsNation) — Bruce Willis’ wife, Emma Heming Willis, is opening up for the first time about the actor’s dementia diagnosis.

“I was so panicked, and I just remember hearing it and just not hearing anything else,” Heming Willis told Diane Sawyer about the “Die Hard” actor developing frontotemporal dementia.

The diagnosis forced Willis to retire from acting in 2023.

Emma Heming Willis’ ‘journey’ to being Bruce Willis’ caretaker

Her interview with Sawyer comes ahead of her new book, “The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path,” which will release Sept. 9.

The book is described as “for anyone caregiving for a loved one with any form of dementia, and even for those caregiving for other conditions. … ‘The Unexpected Journey’ shows that you are not alone.”

FILE – Bruce Willis attends a movie premiere in New York on Friday, Oct. 11, 2019. Nearly a year after Bruce Willis’ family announced that he would step away from acting after being diagnosed with aphasia, his family says his “condition has progressed.” In a statement posted Thursday, the 67-year-old actor’s family said Willis has a more specific diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP, File)

NewsNation’s Paula Froelich reported last month that the “Looper” actor’s health has deteriorated to the point that he can no longer speak, read or walk.

What is frontotemporal dementia?

According to Mayo Clinic, frontotemporal dementia is an “umbrella term” for brain diseases that impact the frontal and temporal lobes, which can shrink.

People who develop FTD can experience changes in their personality and develop an inability to speak.

There is currently no cure or treatment for FTD, but medications can be effective in mitigating behavioral issues associated with symptoms.

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