Bruce Willis Diagnosed With Frontotemporal Dementia

LOS ANGELES, CA — Bruce Willis has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, his family announced Thursday.

Willis, who gained international fame playing wisecracking and hard-edged characters such as John McClane in the "Die Hard" franchise, Butch Coolidge in "Pulp Fiction" and Malcolm Crowe in "The Sixth Sense," stepped away from acting last year after being diagnosed with aphasia, which affects speech, language and cognitive ability.

The 67-year-old's condition has since progressed, leading to the more specific diagnosis, his family said in a prepared statement.

“While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis,” the statement said.

Frontotemporal dementia refers to a group of brain disorders that cause portions of the frontal and temporal lobes to shrink, according to the Mayo Clinic. This can lead to social, emotional and personality changes, as well as language difficulties.

The disorders often present between ages 40 and 65, and they account for up to 20 percent of dementia cases. There is no known cure or treatment.

“Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately,” his family said. “We know in our hearts that — if he could today — he would want to respond by bringing global attention and a connectedness with those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease and how it impacts so many individuals and their families.”

Willis lives in Brentwood and is married to Emma Heming Willis, with whom he has two daughters. He also has three daughters with ex-wife Demi Moore.