Bruce Willis’ Wife Shares Update After Dementia Diagnosis

Bruce Willis‘ wife Emma Heming admitted “it’s hard to know” if her husband is aware of his dementia in a revealing new interview.

“What I’m learning is that dementia is hard. It’s hard on the person diagnosed. It’s also hard on the family. And that is no different for Bruce or myself or our girls,” Heming shared. “And when they say that this is a ‘family disease’ it really is.”

“We’re a very honest and open household,” she told Hoda Kotb, while appearing on the “Today” show. “The most important thing was… to say what the disease was. Explain what it is, because when you know what the disease is from a medical standpoint, it sort of all makes sense,” Heming said of disclosing her husband’s diagnosis to the couple’s children.

“So it was important that we let them know what it is, because you know, I don’t want there to be any stigma or shame attached to their dad’s diagnosis or for any form of dementia.”

“This is not what I would want for them,” Heming admitted of her young daughters growing up with an ill parent.  She also said that “it’s teaching them so much — in how to care and love.” 

“It’s a beautiful thing amongst the sadness,” she added.

During the appearance, Heming was also joined by Susan Dickinson, CEO of the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration. Dickinson says that on average it takes people with frontotemporal dementia four years to be diagnosed properly and also noted they are frequently misdiagnosed. (RELATED: Bruce Willis Diagnosed With Dementia Following Battle With Aphasia)

In March 2022, Willis announced his retirement from acting after being diagnosed with aphasia. The Willis family has since announced that the actor’s condition has developed into frontotemporal dementia. (RELATED: Bruce Willis ‘Stepping Away’ From Acting After Aphasia Diagnosis)

Heming shares daughters Mabel, 11, and Evelyn, 9, with Willis whom she married in 2009.

Willis also has three daughters from his previous marriage to Demi Moore: Rumer, 35; Scout, 32; and Tallulah, 29.

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