Emma Heming Willis Shares Husband Bruce's Dementia Battle

Two years ago, in March 2022, it was announced that legendary actor Bruce Willis would be "stepping away" from his acting career due to an aphasia diagnosis. It was later revealed that he had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, a progressive neurological condition that affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.

Now, in 2025, Bruce's wife, Emma Heming Willis, is opening up about their family's journey since the diagnosis. In a candid interview, Emma tells Diane Sawyer that she had noticed alarming changes in Bruce's personality and behavior long before the official diagnosis. She recalls how his "warm" and talkative nature gradually gave way to a more "removed" and "cold" demeanor, with Bruce becoming less engaged in family events.

Emma says she initially questioned whether the changes were due to Bruce's partial hearing loss from his "Die Hard" days, but soon realized that something more serious was happening. She struggled with how to care for Bruce as his condition worsened, even questioning whether she could remain in a marriage that no longer felt the same.

The moment the doctors informed Emma that there was no cure for Bruce's frontotemporal dementia was particularly devastating. "To leave there with nothing, just noting, a diagnosis I couldn't pronounce, I didn't understand what it was ... I was so panicked," she recalls.

Despite the challenges, Emma remains dedicated to supporting Bruce and their two daughters. She has made the difficult decision to move Bruce into a one-story home with professional caregivers, while she and the girls visit him regularly. Emma finds solace in the moments when she sees glimpses of the Bruce she knows and loves, such as his "hearty laugh" or that familiar "twinkle in his eye."

As Emma prepares to release a book about her caregiving journey, she hopes to provide support and inspiration to others facing similar situations. Her message is one of resilience, hope, and the enduring power of love, even in the face of the most unexpected and difficult circumstances.