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Bruce Willis' wife Emma Heming Willis reacts to speculation about Die Hard star's health
Bruce Willis' wife Emma Heming Willis reacts to speculation about Die Hard star's health

7NEWS

timea day ago

  • Entertainment
  • 7NEWS

Bruce Willis' wife Emma Heming Willis reacts to speculation about Die Hard star's health

The wife of Die Hard star Bruce Willis has hit back at speculation about the actor's declining health. Emma Heming Willis took to social media to shut down recent rumours the iconic action hero has lost the ability to talk or walk. 'To Whom It May Concern: If you ever come across a story that begins with 'sources close to the family say...', do yourself a favour and stop reading,' Heming Willis wrote on her Instagram Stories, reported Men's Journal. 'And to any outlet that runs with those kinds of stories, do better. Giving a platform to anonymous speculation is not only careless, it's harmful. Onward.' Willis' family revealed in 2022 that he would quit acting after he was diagnosed with aphasia, a disorder that affects communication, including speech. A year later, in 2023, loved ones announced the star had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). According to Dementia Australia, FTD is a degenerative condition that causes progressive damage 'to either or both the frontal or temporal lobes of the brain'. 'If you've been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, you may experience changes in your behaviour, personality, language and movement,' Australia's peak dementia body said. 'Your memory isn't always affected, especially in the early stages. These changes get worse over time. 'There's no known cure for frontotemporal dementia yet. But treatment can help with some symptoms, and support is available.' In March, Willis' daughter, Rumer, said her father was 'doing great' as he prepared to celebrate birthday number 70. 'He's doing great, thank you for asking,' she said during an Instagram Stories Q&A session. 'It is actually his 70th birthday tomorrow so please wish my papa a big happy birthday.' Three months earlier, Willis' ex-wife, Demi Moore, described him as being 'in a very stable place'. 'Given the givens, he's in a very stable place at the moment,' said the actress, who was married to Willis for 13 years. 'I've shared this before, but I really mean this so sincerely, it's so important for anybody who's dealing with this to really meet them where they're at. 'I mean, obviously it's very difficult, and it's not what I would wish upon anyone and there is great loss. 'But there is also great beauty and gifts that can come out of it.'

What is frontotemporal dementia? All about the condition Bruce Willis suffers from (early signs to watch out for)
What is frontotemporal dementia? All about the condition Bruce Willis suffers from (early signs to watch out for)

Time of India

timea day ago

  • Entertainment
  • Time of India

What is frontotemporal dementia? All about the condition Bruce Willis suffers from (early signs to watch out for)

The 'Die Hard' Hollywood legend Bruce Willis , reportedly, has become non-verbal and immobile now, as his battle with frontotemporal dementia worsens. Known for his decades-spanning career in action, drama, and comedy, Willis officially stepped away from acting in 2022 following a diagnosis of aphasia and was later diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, a progressive neurological condition that affects personality, language, and motor skills. Although there have been rumors that Willis is bedridden or losing his speech, Emma Heming Willis, his wife, set the record straight when she posted a clear message to both fans and the media on her Instagram Stories, saying: "To Whom It May Concern: If you ever come across a story that begins with "sources close to the family say...," do yourself a favor and stop reading." But what is frontotemporal dementia (FTD)? How does it affect personality, language, and motor skills? What is frontotemporal dementia (FTD) Frontotemporal dementia, also known as frontotemporal degeneration (FTD), encompasses a group of disorders caused by progressive nerve cell loss in the brain's frontal and temporal lobes. These lobes govern personality, emotional regulation, language, and movement. Over time, the affected brain regions shrink and connectivity breaks down, leading to significant cognitive and behavioral symptoms. FTD is rare but devastating; unlike Alzheimer's, it often strikes between the ages of 45 and 65, though cases can appear earlier or later. FTD accounts for approximately 10–20% of all dementia diagnoses and is the most common form in individuals under 60. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Stylish New Mobility Scooters Available for Seniors (Prices May Surprise You) Mobility Scooter | Search Ads Search Now Undo Subtypes of FTD Behavioral‑variant FTD (bvFTD): The most frequent type, formerly known as Pick's disease, is characterized by changes in personality and behavior such as impulsivity, apathy, inappropriate social conduct, poor judgment, and compulsions. Primary progressive aphasia (PPA): A language‑based variant affecting speech production or comprehension. Within this group are: Non‑fluent variant (nfvPPA): stumbling or labored speech. Semantic variant (svPPA): loss of word meaning and object recognition Movement‑related FTD: Though less common, it is associated with disorders such as corticobasal syndrome, progressive supranuclear palsy, or ALS‑related FTD, leading to tremors, stiffness, or mobility issues. Risk factors Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) risk factors include a family history of FTD (especially a parent or sibling with FTD), genetic mutations, and possibly head trauma. While some cases are familial and linked to specific genes, most are considered sporadic, with no clear family history. Other factors like age (most common between 40 and 65) and certain lifestyle factors (like head injuries) may also play a role. FTD often results from abnormal protein buildup in brain cells, including tau or TDP-43, leading to cell death and lobar atrophy. About 30–50% of cases involve a genetic component; mutations in genes like MAPT, PGRN, or C9ORF72 are common culprits. Early signs to watch for Recognizing FTD early can be challenging, as symptoms are often mistaken for psychiatric issues or stress. Typical early signs include: Personality or behavior changes: Reduced empathy, inappropriate social conduct, impulsivity, apathy, neglect of hygiene, compulsions. Language difficulties: Difficulty speaking or understanding language, word-finding problems, simplified or hesitant speech. Executive dysfunction: Problems with planning, organizing, and multitasking; distractions increase. Emerging motor symptoms (in some): Tremors, stiffness, poor coordination, swallowing issues, or difficulty walking emerge later in certain variants. Diagnosis and prognosis Diagnosis involves neurological exam, cognitive testing, gathering detailed medical history (often from family), and imaging such as MRI or PET to detect frontal and/or temporal lobe shrinkage or metabolic changes. FTD typically progresses steadily, with survival ranging from 2 to 20 years, averaging around 6–10 years post-diagnosis. There is no cure or disease-modifying treatment for FTD. Management focuses on addressing symptoms, providing support, and improving quality of life. Treatment strategies include medications for behavioral and mood changes, speech and physical therapy, and strategies for managing daily living tasks and communication. Furthermore, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are administered to reduce disinhibition, while speech, occupational, and behavioral therapies assist daily function. Bruce Willis' Daughter Shares Rare Family Moment Amid Actor's Dementia Struggles | Watch

21 Random Things That Didn't Exist A Few Decades Ago
21 Random Things That Didn't Exist A Few Decades Ago

Buzz Feed

time2 days ago

  • General
  • Buzz Feed

21 Random Things That Didn't Exist A Few Decades Ago

Recently, Reddit user friendlylobotomist took to the popular "Ask Old People" subreddit to ask, "What is something young people don't realize didn't exist when you were younger?" The answers were pretty fun to read, so I decided to share some of the best. Enjoy! "Rolling luggage." "Bottled water." "Remote control for the TV." "Scanners at the grocery store." "Windows that you had to roll down in the we had two keys, one for the trunk and one to put in the ignition." "Cupholders in cars. You drank your coffee at home, at work, or in coffee shops. Also, people just didn't walk around with food and drink all day." "Having more than one car. When Dad drove to work, we stayed home all day." "ATMs. We used to have to plan ahead and go to the bank during business hours. If you forgot to get cash before the weekend, you were pretty much screwed until Monday. Also, VCRs. If you missed the show when it aired, you had to wait for the summer reruns." "Color TV." "Up until the mid-1990s, most grocery stores didn't accept credit or debit cards. Cash and checks only. I remember the controversy when one big chain (QFC, now a part of Kroger) announced they'd accept cards. People worried that folks would go broke running up unaffordable credit card bills by putting grocery purchases on them." "Inexpensive calculators." "The vaccines for measles, mumps, chicken pox, and rubella did not exist when I was a kid. Hence, I and most of my compatriots got all of those. Some kids got two diseases simultaneously." "Air conditioning in vehicles (otherwise known as windows). Starbucks or similar coffee places. Girls' sports in high schools." "Backpacks for school kids. We just carried our books in our arms, really!" "I remember when the house phone got the long cord on it. You could suddenly walk more than two steps away from where it was attached to the wall in the kitchen. So much freedom!" "I still remember the first time I read about this newfangled adhesive device with the weird name of Velcro." "Direct deposit. Back in the day, everyone got paid by paper check on Friday, and it needed to be cashed at a bank. Imagine all the people in line at the same time on Friday — it could very easily be an hour to get your check cashed!!!" "Disposable diapers." "Gas pumps that were able to charge more than 99 cents a gallon. Who the hell thought gasoline would ever be more than a dollar a gallon?!" "Sunscreen. Unleaded gas. HIV. The TSA. Bruce Willis with hair." And finally: "My wife teaches second grade. They absolutely didn't believe Sesame Street existed in the '70s, because 'there was no internet,' so there was no video. So then they were sure the internet was around in the '70s!" Anything I missed? Feel free to reminisce or share your own examples in the comments below! Or, if you want to write in but prefer to stay anonymous, you can check out this anonymous form. Who knows — your answer could be included in a future BuzzFeed article. Please note: some comments have been edited for length and/or clarity.

Bruce Willis May Not Remember His Acting Days, Struggling With Speech Due To Dementia
Bruce Willis May Not Remember His Acting Days, Struggling With Speech Due To Dementia

News18

time2 days ago

  • Entertainment
  • News18

Bruce Willis May Not Remember His Acting Days, Struggling With Speech Due To Dementia

Last Updated: Bruce Willis, 70, known for Die Hard and The Sixth Sense, faces worsening dementia. Diagnosed with aphasia in 2022, his condition has advanced to FTD. Hollywood star Bruce Willis, known for his iconic roles in films like Die Hard and The Sixth Sense, is reportedly facing a serious decline in his health. According to a new report by The Express, the 70-year-old actor is now non-verbal and unable to walk as his dementia worsens. Willis was first diagnosed with aphasia in 2022, a condition that affects speech. Later, his family confirmed that he had frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a rare brain disorder that impacts behaviour, speech, and movement. In April 2025, his family shared that Bruce was 'stable," but this latest update suggests things have changed. The report says, 'He is said to have become largely non-verbal and is reportedly experiencing motor difficulties, though no specific details about his mobility have been confirmed by his family in recent months." There are also reports that he may not remember some of the roles that made him a household name in the 1990s and 2000s. Willis was initially diagnosed with aphasia in 2022, which later advanced to FTD, a rare form of dementia affecting areas of the brain responsible for language, behaviour, and movement. The actor's condition has continued to evolve, though his family stated in April 2025 that his health remains 'stable." Sources close to the actor report that he has become mostly non-verbal and is unable to engage in reading or written communication. While no official statement has confirmed new mobility issues, reports suggest that Bruce now struggles with basic motor functions. Willis rose to fame with the TV show Moonlighting and became a global superstar with the Die Hard movies. Over his long career, he starred in major hits like Pulp Fiction, Armageddon, Unbreakable, The Fifth Element, and Looper. He was known not only for his action roles but also for his charm and humour on screen. Even though he has stepped away from the spotlight, fans and fellow actors continue to show love and support for him. Many remember him as a legend with an unforgettable presence in Hollywood. First Published: July 28, 2025, 09:43 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Calls for major dementia investment
Calls for major dementia investment

ABC News

time4 days ago

  • Health
  • ABC News

Calls for major dementia investment

Annie Guest: From movie star Bruce Willis to football hero Steve Mortimer and former US President Ronald Reagan, dementia doesn't discriminate. Or does it? Did you know the devastating disease that costs the economy billions and is on track to be the leading cause of death is likely influenced by things like exercise and food. Experts are calling for a big increase in funding for research into both prevention and treatment of dementia, which can affect movement, thinking, memory, language, mood and behaviour. Henry Brodaty is a Scientia Professor at UNSW and a world expert on dementia. Professor Brodaty, your address to the Press Club this week began with the story of 52-year-old Jacob. Who was Jacob and how did he influence you to work in this field? Prof Henry Brodaty: Jacob was my father. He was 52 when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Very bright man, very sociable, active, successful in business and it was very tragic to see his decline over the next seven years until he died of a heart attack aged 59. Annie Guest: Professor Brodaty, what's known about whether dementia rates are getting worse, better or unchanged? Prof Henry Brodaty: If you look at the absolute rates, they're going up and they're going up because the population is aging. So we have now one in six of our population aged 65 or over and that's approaching one in four over the next generation. However, if we look more closely at the number of new cases, per 1,000 in each age group, there may be a drop and the reason is we're getting better at looking after our hearts. Annie Guest: Well, indeed, you've talked about things we can all do to lower dementia risk like healthy diets and exercising our bodies and brains and being socially connected. How firm is the evidence that these things can prevent dementia? Prof Henry Brodaty: Our trial showed that it can improve cognition, coaching with physical activity, nutrition, brain training, depression, anxiety treatment was highly significant in improving cognition. Whether we can actually prove that the number of cases of dementia will be fewer, we need a longer follow-up. Annie Guest: Dementia is on track to be Australia's biggest killer. You're calling for the big increase in funding for treatment and research and you also say that some things that are proven to help and be cost effective in treating our Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia are not properly funded. What are examples of these proven interventions? Prof Henry Brodaty: Well, look at what can happen after diagnosis. People can have what's called cognitive stimulation therapy, groups of maybe eight people meeting twice a week or once a week and getting stimulation and showing that their cognition does improve. Good research from the UK on that. Cognitive rehabilitation therapy. So if I've got dementia, but there are some things I can't do, things that I can't send my emails or I'm having trouble remembering how to do the cooking, which I love to do. If we can work usually with an occupational therapist to work out strategies to overcome those deficits, to compensate, then we can show and there have been good studies, again from the UK, showing that cognitive rehabilitation works. We know that physical exercise can have an effect on slowing the rate of cognitive decline. With research, we can get better services as well, not just about drugs and about causes. We've been very passionate about introducing dementia navigators to help people with dementia and their family carers navigate the very complex system of aged care. Annie Guest: And this is an idea that is a little similar to the breast cancer nurses, is that right? Prof Henry Brodaty: That's right. And we did some modelling of this with PricewaterhouseCoopers and showed that this would be at least cost neutral, if not cost saving. The cost of having the dementia navigators will be offset by reduction in hospital admissions and later admission to nursing homes, which more than covers the cost of hiring the navigators. Annie Guest: Professor Henry Brodaty, thanks very much for joining PM. Prof Henry Brodaty: Thank you very much. Annie Guest: And that's UNSW's Scientia Professor Henry Brodaty.

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