Latest news with #FTD
Time of India
8 hours 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
Mint
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
What is frontotemporal dementia that Bruce Willis is suffering from? Symptoms, treatment and more
Hollywood star Bruce Willis, who was diagnosed with dementia in 2022, is receiving widespread attention from the netizens again after a picture of his fragile health status went viral. Bruce, 70, has become non-verbal and is reportedly experiencing motor difficulties, though no specific details about his mobility have been confirmed by his family in recent months. It comes after his daughter, Tallulah Willis, defended the decision to post controversial photos of her father, reported Daily Express US. In 2023, the actor's wife Emma, ex-wife and actress Demi Moore and his five daughters revealed in a statement that the actor has been diagnosed with a condition called frontotemporal dementia. Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) includes a group of brain disorders that affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. These areas of the brain are associated with personality, behaviour and language. Although the symptoms primarily depend on which part of the brain is affected, some people face major changes in their personalities and even become socially inappropriate by exhibiting impulsive or emotionally indifferent behaviour. Others may also lose the ability to use language properly, according to Mayo Clinic. As per the latest medical reports, there are no treatments available for FTD to cure or slow its progression. However, several healthcare professionals prescribe medicine to treat the symptoms, according to Mayo Clinic. Some antidepressants could help with behavioural symptoms such as anxietycontrol and obsessive-compulsive behaviour, whereas some antipsychotic medicines also aid in reducing the irrational nature. But these medicines must be used with caution in people with dementia. They can have serious side effects, including an increased risk of death. A patient must also seek help from pathologists and occupational therapists who help with the adjustment of speech. Walter Bruce Willis, commonly known as Bruce Willis, is a retired American actor. He is widely known for his performances in over one hundred Hollywood movies. He achieved fame after playing the lead role in the comedy-drama series Moonlighting. He later went on to gain recognition as an action hero for his portrayal of John McClane in the Die Hard franchise, released in 1988. He was married to Hollywood actor Demi Moore, who is famous for playing the lead role in the psychological thriller Substance. They got divorced, and he later married a Model, Emma Heming Willis.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bruce Willis' Wife Sends Clear 2-Word Message Amid Husband's Health Journey
Bruce Willis' wife, Emma Heming Willis, sent a clear message to family, friends, and fans on July 24. The author, whose book The Unexpected Journey is slated for a September release, took to her Instagram Stories with two words of advice: "Make time." "After my morning meditation. A gentle reminder to make time," she captioned a photo of her friend wearing a hat with the same message. "My beautiful friend making some time. I love to see it," Heming Willis added. Heming Willis has been an advocate for patients diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, which was Willis' diagnosis in 2023. The mom of two has also become a caregiver advocate, highlighting the importance of caregivers and the very real consequences that can arise from caregiver burnout. Heming Willis has kept her husband's health journey private, though she does share some updates with fans from time to time. On Father's Day, for example, she shared a candid post about how things used to be and admitted that she was feeling "profoundly sad." "Love deepens. It adapts. It stays, even when everything else change. But to be fair to myself, these symbolic days stir up a lot. I'm profoundly sad today. I wish, with every cell in my body, that things could be different for him and lighter for our family," she wrote on her Instagram Stories at the time. "As they say in our FTD community, 'It is what it is.' And while that might sound dismissive, to me, it's not. It grounds me. It helps me return to the acceptance of what is and not fight this every step of the way like I used to. Today, let's celebrate the badass dads, those who are here, and those we carry with us. Onward," she Willis' Wife Sends Clear 2-Word Message Amid Husband's Health Journey first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 24, 2025 Solve the daily Crossword
India Today
4 days ago
- Health
- India Today
Understanding frontotemporal dementia, the disease Bruce Willis is battling
When Hollywood icon Bruce Willis was diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), it wasn't just another celebrity health update it was a moment of global heartbreak. For decades, Willis played characters who defied odds, cracked jokes under pressure, and carried the weight of the world with a smirk. To imagine him now struggling to find words or understand emotions feels deeply personal for many beyond the emotional impact lies a serious medical reality: FTD is one of the most common causes of early-onset dementia, yet it remains widely misunderstood, frequently misdiagnosed, and largely IS FRONTOTEMPORAL DEMENTIA?Frontotemporal Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of neurodegenerative disorders that primarily affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, regions responsible for personality, language, decision-making, behavior, and emotional regulation. Unlike Alzheimer's disease, which initially presents with memory loss, FTD often begins with changes in personality or language abilities. "While Alzheimer's typically causes memory problems, FTD starts with behavior, mood, or speech issues," says Dr. Sonia Lal Gupta, a senior neurologist. "It affects the part of the brain that makes us who we are how we interact socially, empathize, or express ourselves."Dr. Lal Gupta emphasizes that early signs can be subtle. 'Many families dismiss it as stress, depression, or a midlife crisis,' she says. 'But when someone begins behaving out of character, becomes socially inappropriate, or has trouble with language, it's time to consider a neurological evaluation.' TYPES OF FTDThere are several clinical subtypes of FTD, with overlapping symptoms:1. Behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD):Most common form; marked by changes in behavior, disinhibition, apathy, and lack of empathy.2. Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA):Involves a gradual loss of language skills-difficulty naming objects, forming sentences, or understanding conversations.3. FTD with motor neuron disease (like ALS):In some cases, FTD co-occurs with movement disorders, including Parkinsonism or CAUSES FTD?FTD is caused by progressive nerve cell loss in the frontal and/or temporal lobes. This shrinkage leads to the loss of function in those regions. It's often sporadic, but up to 40% of cases have a genetic link, caused by mutations in specific genes like MAPT, GRN, or is not linked to lifestyle factors like smoking or poor diet, and currently, there is no cure or disease-modifying treatment. Most treatments aim to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.'Public figures sharing their diagnosis helps remove the stigma,' says Dr. Arvind Iyer, a senior neuropsychiatrist in Mumbai. 'FTD is not just 'getting old'—it's a serious condition that needs timely intervention. The more we talk about it, the earlier we can catch it, and potentially improve quality of life.'WHO DOES IT AFFECT?FTD primarily strikes people between 40 and 65 years of age, though it can appear later. This makes it especially devastating, as it often affects people at the peak of their careers and family life."FTD is under-recognized because we don't expect dementia in people in their 40s or 50s," explains Dr. Arvind Iyer, a neuropsychiatrist. "In many cases, patients are misdiagnosed with depression, bipolar disorder, or even burnout before FTD is considered."KEY SYMPTOMS TO LOOK OUT FORadvertisementEarly behavioral symptoms may include:Loss of social tact or empathyInappropriate jokes or impulsive behaviorApathy or lack of motivationObsessive or repetitive behaviorsPoor personal hygieneChanges in eating habits (e.g., overeating or preference for sweets)In language-dominant FTD:Difficulty forming words (non-fluent aphasia)Trouble understanding or remembering namesLoss of vocabularySpeaking in short, broken sentencesAs the disease progresses, symptoms may overlap with those of Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease, making accurate diagnosis WHY EARLY RECOGNITION MATTERSCurrently, there is no single test for FTD. Diagnosis typically involves:Detailed neurological and neuropsychological evaluationsMRI or PET scans to detect brain atrophy or hypometabolismGenetic testing, especially for those with a family historyEarly diagnosis is essential to plan care, manage behavioral symptoms, and ensure the family receives support.A CAREGIVER'S REALITYCaring for someone with FTD is uniquely challenging. Patients may no longer express affection, recognize inappropriate behavior, or be able to communicate emotionally draining," shares Renu Verma, whose 68-year-old father was diagnosed with behavioral variant FTD. "He began hiding food, swearing at people, and ignoring family members. It felt like we were watching his personality melt away.""You mourn someone who's still alive," says Rajeev Sharma, caring for his older sister. "She can't follow a conversation. Her eyes are blank, but she's there. That's the hardest part."CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONSThere is no cure for FTD, but several treatments help manage symptoms:SSRIs (antidepressants) may help with mood swings or compulsive and language therapy for those with language therapy to help with daily and support groups for families and are also exploring disease-modifying drugs, genetic therapies, and clinical trials, but progress is still in early SILVER LINING: AWARENESS IS GROWINGBruce Willis's diagnosis has cast a much-needed spotlight on FTD. It reminds us that dementia is not just an "old age" issue it can strike early, steal identity, and leave families devastated. "Public awareness is essential. FTD is often ignored in the larger dementia conversation," says Dr. Gupta. "We need more training for doctors, more resources for families, and more research funding."advertisementFrontotemporal Dementia is a thief of personality, language, and connection. But awareness, empathy, and timely care can soften the blow. Bruce Willis may have stepped away from acting, but his real-life battle is teaching us something far more powerful: the importance of recognizing the invisible battles so many families are quietly your loved one is showing unusual behavior, personality shifts, or language struggles don't wait. Talk to a neurologist. Early help can make a lifetime of difference.- EndsTrending Reel
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Bruce Willis health update: How is the Die Hard actor doing now?
Bruce Willis is battling frontotemporal dementia. The disease, which was first diagnosed in 2023, has left the Die Hard actor unable to speak, read, or walk, The Express reported. According to the outlet, Bruce Willis, 70, is experiencing motor difficulties and has 'become largely non-verbal.' Notably, Willis' family has not commented on the report. Bruce Willis, 70, is battling frontotemporal dementia. Also read: Bruce Willis family: All on his wife and kids amid worsening health battle Bruce Willis' health update The 70-year-old was first diagnosed with aphasia, a medical condition that impacts speech and language comprehension, in 2022. He stepped away from his career soon after. In early 2023, the veteran actor was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. Since then, Willis has largely been out of the public eye. His family has provided updates from time to time on his health. In April, they had reported that Willis was in a stable condition. The actor's daughter, Tallulah Willis, sometimes shares photos featuring the Hollywood star. Last month, she dropped a series of photos capturing some adorable family moments with Willis. 'Sunday funday at Grams ! Grateful,' the caption read. In one of the pictures, Willis can be seen hugging Tallulah. In another, he is standing with her fiancé, musician Justin Acee. Also read: Bruce Willis expresses 'gratitude' to LA fires first responders in rare outing amid dementia battle Bruce Willis' wife, Emma Heming Willis, is writing a book on her experiences after the actor's diagnosis. Titled Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope and Yourself on the Caregiving Path, the book will be released in September 2025. What is Bruce Willis diagnosed with? The actor is suffering from frontotemporal dementia, a degenerative brain disease. The condition affects areas of the brain that are responsible for personality, behavior and language. FTD often strikes individuals between the ages of 45 and 65. A statement issued by Bruce Willis' family in February 2023 stated that FTD is 'the most common form of dementia.' Diagnosis can take years, which means that FTD may be more prevalent than people know, the statement added. There are presently no treatments for the disease. FAQs: 1. What is Bruce Willis suffering from? He was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2023. 2. Is frontotemporal dementia curable? No, there is no treatment available currently for the medical condition. 3. How is Bruce Willis doing now? According to reports, he can no longer walk or speak. His family has not issued any statement on the speculation surrounding his health.
