Emma Heming Willis, the wife of actor Bruce Willis, recently provided an intimate update on her husband’s health journey, revealing the realities of living with frontotemporal dementia. In an interview with Diane Sawyer for the ABC special, “Emma & Bruce Willis: The Unexpected Journey,” she spoke openly about the changes their family has faced since his diagnosis over two years ago.
In the interview, Heming Willis emphasized that while Bruce is experiencing cognitive decline, he remains in overall good health. “Bruce is in really great health overall, you know. It’s just his brain that is failing him,” she stated. The 70-year-old actor has been adapting to the disease, which significantly affects personality and communication skills.
Adapting to New Communication Methods
Emma shared that their family has developed new ways to communicate with Bruce, adapting to his evolving condition. “The language is going, and, you know, we’ve learned to adapt. And we have a way of communicating with him, which is just a different way,” she explained. Despite the challenges, she noted that Bruce still shows signs of recognition and connection with her and their children.
“I feel he does, right? Like, he, I know he does. You know, when we are with him … he lights up, right? He’s holding our hands. We’re kissing him. We’re hugging him. He is reciprocating,” she said, highlighting the moments of affection they still share.
Heming Willis reassured viewers that she does not require Bruce to recognize her as his wife to feel connected. “I just wanna feel that I have a connection with him. And I do,” she remarked.
Facing Challenges with Resilience
The family announced Bruce’s diagnosis in early 2023, shedding light on the often-overlooked condition of frontotemporal dementia. Emma recounted the initial signs they noticed, describing subtle changes in his behavior. “He felt a little removed, a little cold, not like Bruce, who was very warm and very affectionate. To go the complete opposite of that was alarming and scary,” she recalled.
Despite the difficulties, Emma revealed that there are still glimpses of Bruce’s personality that shine through. “Not days, but we get moments. It’s his laugh, right? Like, he has such, like, a hardy laugh,” she said. At times, she sees “that twinkle in his eye, or that smirk,” which brings her joy.
“It’s just hard to see, because as quickly as those moments appear, then it goes. It’s hard. But I’m grateful. I’m grateful that my husband is still very much here,” she concluded.
Emma Heming Willis’ candid reflections provide a rare insight into the complexities of living with a loved one affected by dementia, underscoring the importance of connection and adaptation in the face of adversity. Their family’s journey continues to inspire many as they navigate this challenging path together.
