Learn about the disease that affects actor Bruce Willis, he retired from his acting career in March 2022 due to a disorder called aphasia, which has progressed since then.

However, this Thursday, the 16th, his family announced that he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.

“Since Bruce’s aphasia diagnosis was announced in the spring of 2022, his condition has progressed,” the Willis family said in a statement. “Unfortunately, communication challenges are just one symptom of the illness Bruce is experiencing. While heartbreaking, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis,” the statement added.

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is part of a group of disorders resulting from the accumulation of a protein known as “tau” and other proteins that destroy neurons in the frontal lobes of the brain, located behind the forehead, or in the temporal lobes, which are located behind the ears.

This condition usually appears between the ages of 45 and 64, according to Alzheimer's Research UK.

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“The most common type of dementia that occurs in people under the age of 60. FTD causes communication problems as well as changes in behavior, personality or movement,” according to a statement from the Frontotemporal Degeneration Association.

The types of DFT

In Bruce Willis' case, the symptoms began with slurred speech, so he is classified as a type of FTD called primary progressive aphasia, said Dr. Henry Paulson, M.D., a neurologist and director of the Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Center at the University of Michigan.

“Aphasia really does present problems with language. And it’s because of a tumor in the brain that makes it difficult to speak. It’s a progressive neurodegenerative condition,” Paulson said.

“With the diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia, Mr. Willis clearly has a progressive neurodegenerative disease, not a tumor, stroke or some other brain lesion,” the professor added.

There are two other types of FTD, the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia is characterized by changes in thinking, planning and execution functions.

The other type of frontotemporal dementia affects motor neurons, manifesting as an inability to swallow, rigid muscles and difficulty using the hands or arms when “making a normal movement, and having difficulty closing buttons or operating small appliances,” according to the study by the National Institute on Aging.

Symptoms of Frontotemporal Dementia

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a type of dementia that affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which are responsible for personality, behavior, and language.

FTD can cause many different symptoms that often differ from person to person. It’s important to be aware of these symptoms so you can detect the condition early and get the appropriate treatment.

Common symptoms of FTD include difficulty with planning and problem-solving, behavioral changes such as impulsivity or apathy, changes in language skills such as difficulty finding words or speaking, social withdrawal or disinhibition, gradual decline in memory ability, or motor function problems such as clumsiness or stumbling.

People may also experience irregular sleep patterns, such as insomnia or sleeping excessively during the day. Other signs may include trouble maintaining personal hygiene habits, such as brushing teeth or bathing regularly.

How to diagnose the disease

The importance of knowing about frontotemporal dementia, which affects actor Bruce, is because diagnosis can be difficult and knowing more about the disease can make it easier to detect.

Diagnosis usually begins with a physical examination and detailed medical history to evaluate any symptoms that may indicate FTD. 

Your doctor may order blood tests, a CT scan, or an MRI to rule out other conditions.

If these tests don't produce results that explain the symptoms, doctors may refer patients for genetic testing or a spinal tap to examine the cerebrospinal fluid for signs of protein markers associated with FTD.

How can frontotemporal dementia be treated?

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a rare form of dementia that can be difficult to diagnose and treat.

FTD is caused by the deterioration of certain areas of the brain, including the temporal regions, leading to changes in behavior, personality, and language.

There is no therapy to delay the disease, such as Alzheimer's, the medicines and strategies adopted are to improve the patient's quality of life.

Medication may be used to treat some of the behavioral symptoms associated with FTD, such as depression, anxiety, or agitation.

These medications work by helping to regulate certain chemicals in the brain, which can help reduce the severity of symptoms.

Other medications may also be prescribed to improve cognitive function or slow the progression of the disease.

Additionally, supportive therapies such as occupational therapy or speech therapy may be beneficial for people with FTD to help them maintain daily functional skills.