Bruce Willis Reportedly Barely Recognizes His Friend and Lost a Major Skill amid Dementia Battle

After Bruce Willis was diagnosed with aphasia, his family regularly updated fans on the action star's condition. However, besides their updates, the actor's friend, "Moonlighting" creator Glenn Gordon Caron, also spoke about Bruce Willis' health.

Bruce Willis retired from acting in late 2021 because he had been diagnosed with aphasia, which affects a person's ability to process and understand speech. His family rallied around him as he made the difficult decision.

After he was diagnosed, his wife, Emma Heming Willis, gave regular updates on social media and thanked fans for their ongoing support and prayers. However, in February 2023, the family revealed he had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, a degenerative brain disease.

Recently, "Moonlighting" creator Glenn Gordon Caron has spoken up about his interactions with Bruce. He talked about what it was like to be around the actor after he received his diagnosis.

What Did Glenn Gordon Caron Say?

Glenn revealed that the actor knew who he was for the first one to three minutes after he greeted Bruce. He also shared that the actor, who was once an avid reader, was no longer reading books.

Glenn also confirmed that Bruce Willis had lost a significant skill. The writer, who said that he tries to go and see the actor every month, further remarked:

"He's not totally verbal [...] All those language skills are no longer available to him, and yet he's still Bruce. When you're with him you know that he's Bruce and you're grateful that he's there, but the joie de vivre is gone."

What Does Willis' Family Say?

Recently, Emma also shared how they were doing amid his diagnosis. She shared that dementia was a disease that affected the whole family. Emma and Bruce share two young daughters, who she says know what is going on with their dad as they have been honest with them.

Emma also talked about how difficult it has been to find out what is going on with her husband, but also being grateful that she finally understands what is ailing him. When asked if he knew what was happening to him, she said it was "hard to know" if he understood it.

Emma shared that even though it has been difficult for their family, there are many beautiful things for them to celebrate, and she tries to do so because she knows it is what her husband would have wanted. When asked what she thought her daughters were learning from this experience, Emma said:

"Love, patience, resilience, so much… How to care and love."

Emma shared a video on her Instagram talking about coping with being a primary carer for Bruce and saying she wasn't doing well and that it was challenging to be in her position. However, she acknowledged that it was worth it for her husband.

The post came a few months after she shared an update on Bruce's health, informing fans that he had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and that the initial aphasia diagnosis was not all they thought. We pray for Bruce and his family as they navigate this difficult time.