During a poignant visit to her former spouse, Bruce Willis, actress Demi Moore was faced with the devastating reality of his deteriorating health due to frontotemporal dementia. He has reached a stage where he fails to recognize her at times, yet he seems to still acknowledge his current wife, Emma Heming Willis, and their children intermittently.
Demi Moore’s Emotional Encounter with Bruce Willis
An inside source conveyed to Closer that Moore, after her summer vacation in Italy, was confronted with the crushing realization that Willis, whom she had been married to for over a decade and shares three daughters with, did not remember her. The insider disclosed that although Moore stayed in contact with their children and Willis’ wife, she was unprepared for the extent of his cognitive and memory decline.
Bruce Willis Retains Some Family Recognition
Despite the grim update on his condition, it was noted that Willis occasionally shows recognition of his wife, Emma, and their children. His moments of joy are especially evident when his daughter Rumer visits with her newborn child, Lou. However, these instances are juxtaposed with his bouts of aggression and a general physical regression.
Emma Heming Willis Shares the Struggles of Dementia
Emma Heming Willis candidly discussed the rigors of dementia on NBC’s “Today” show. She described the toll it takes on both the individual and the family, reinforcing the notion that dementia truly affects the family unit as a whole. Emma also touched upon the uncertainty surrounding Willis’ awareness of his condition.
Bruce Willis Steps Away from Acting
In early 2022, Willis’ family announced his withdrawal from acting due to a diagnosis of aphasia, which impairs speech and comprehension. This condition was first noticed when he began experiencing confusion and memory lapses on film sets.
Through an Instagram post, Moore, Emma, and those close to Willis informed his supporters about the health issues he was facing and how aphasia was affecting his cognitive functions, leading to his difficult decision to retire from his cherished acting career.
Insights into the Actor’s Inner World
Glenn Gordon Caron, creator of “Moonlighting,” shared his insights with the New York Post about Willis, whom he still tries to keep in his life, despite the actor’s ailing health. Caron remarked on Willis’ enduring spirit, despite the disease’s barriers. While Willis may initially recognize Caron during their encounters, he has largely lost his ability to communicate verbally.
Caron mourned the loss of Willis’ vivacious nature, stating that although the actor’s language skills have significantly diminished, his essence remains intact. He described the current state as seeing life “through a screen door,” a stark contrast to the man who once embraced life with boundless enthusiasm.
