1 week Ago By Demetria Osei-Tutu
Bruce Willis has a 'less predictable form of dementia' with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), according to a board certified doctor . The 70-year-old actor was diagnosed with aphasia and his family announced it in March 2022 in a statement. The statement was signed by Bruce's daughters Rumer Willis , Scout Willis, Tallulah Willis, Mabel Ray Willis and Evelyn Willis and his wife Emma Heming Willis as well as ex-wife Demi Moore.
They shared that Bruce would be "stepping away" from his over 40-year-long acting career due to the aphasia. They added that the language disorder was "impacting his cognitive abilities." Emma shared nearly a year later in February 2023, that Bruce's condition has progressed to a more "more specific diagnosis" of frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
Since then, the English actress and model, along with the rest of Bruce three eldest daughter (Rumer, Scout, Tallulah) and Demi have provided updates on his condition with the illness. The most recent update came from Rumer Willis on March 18, two days before her day's 70th birthday, on her Instagram Stories. She did a Q+A session and responded to a fan's question about how her dad was doing and she replied: ''He's doing great, thank you for asking.
'' Bruce's diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia has brought the degenerative disease to the spotlight more. Dr Marchelle Hofeldt spoke to the Mirror US to break down this disease and how it's "less predictable than other forms of dementia". Dr.
Hofeldt stated that the frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a collection of brain disorders that harm the neurons (nerve cells) of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. The disease can lead to the shrinking of the brain over time. "It tends to be progressive meaning it gets worse over time.
The hallmark of frontotemporal dementia is changes in social interaction, personality and aphasia, or difficulty with speaking and communication." she added Dr. Hofeldt said that FTD is a lifelong disorder and the deterioration of the brain and symptoms "can vary by type and in each individual.
" She explained that the "rates of progression are much less predictable than other forms of dementia" as they are possible periods of when the symptoms appear and then stablize. The doctor detailed that symptoms of FTD are dependent on which part of a person's brain is damaged and the severity. Those with the disorder can have personality changes, which can lead them to possibly becoming "socially inappropriate and impulsive, or emotionally indifferent and others with changes in speech.
" Further behavioral changes can also include "loss of inhibition, apathy or loss of motivation, compulsive actions like repetitive movements, clapping of hands, taping of feet or pacing, changes in diet or mouth centered behaviors and some loss of executive functions." Dr. Hofeldt explained that some of those executive functions are planning, problem-solving and remaining organized.
She added that other functions involved in how you process information and memory may not be affected till later as FTD primarily affect speech and behavior. Dr. Hofeldt specified that people with FTD that have nerve loss in the front lobe (which is located behind the forehead), have their movement, social skills, spoken language, and self-control are impacted.
"Nerve loss in the temporal lobe found on the side of brain may have symptoms in understanding spoken language and emotional expression and processing," she elaborated. Over time, the disease in general can render one to need 24/7 care as it "the ability to think, care for themselves and live independently. Dr.
Hofeldt emphasized how important how Care givers are significant to the well-being of the those with FTD and can assist with activities of daily living. Dr. Hofeldt said that the life expectancy of the disease varies depending on the speed in which an individual progresses and when they get diagnosed but the average life expectancy for a person with FTD is 7.
5 years . She further said that in some cases depending on it progress faster or slower, some people can live less than two years and others can live more than 10 years. The doctor clarified that the cause of death from FTD is not from FTD itself but from the complications of the disease "including pneumonia due to difficulty swallowing as the disease gets worse.
" FTD effects people around the ages of 45 to 65 and can be as early as 30 sometimes. The disease can also target older adults and it affects both men and women equally. Dr.
Hofeldt stated that it's unclear why certain people get FTD but there's a specific gene that gets passed down that effects 10-25% of people and another 40% have a family history of dementia or neurological conditions. However, most people with FTD do not have any family history of dementia or neurological condition. Dr.
Hofeldt spoke about the risk factors that can develop into FTD such as head injuries. She said that "having a head injury and may triple your risk of getting it." Dr.
Hofeldt. advised that people engaging in risky activities, wear a helmet and wear a seatbelt when driving to decrease the chance of a potential head injury. According to the Dr.
Hofeldt, FTD is considered rare as it makes up 10-20% of dementias but it is however the leading type of dementia in younger people. She also said the estimate of people with the disease are 15-22 out of every 100,000 people but that the FTD is hard to estimate as it's likely under reported. Dr.
Hofeldt went on to say the reason for that is because of the "complexity of properly diagnosing this condition, as there are different ways of presenting, and recognizing symptoms." She also said that there's currently no cure for FTD but there are treatment to help symptoms such as medication or behavioral therapies. She gave an example like anti-depressants or doing speech therapy for people experiencing difficulty with language.
There have also been experimental therapeutics that involved genetic mutation . DAILY NEWSLETTER: Sign up here to get the latest news and updates from the Mirror US straight to your inbox with our FREE newsletter..
