Actor Bruce Willis diagnosed with dementia (FTD): Let's understand signs, symptoms and possible causes of the disorder

For millions of fans of the Die Hard star Bruce Willis, there is painful news from the family of the actor. His family has confirmed a "more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia (known as FTD)". In 2022, he was diagnosed with aphasia, the condition where there is difficulty in communication.

The 67 year old actor's family has said in a statement to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration website that: Unfortunately, challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease Bruce faces. While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis.

The statement has been signed by Bruce Willis's family which includes his wife Emma Heming - with whom he has two daughters - and his former wife Demi Moore and their three daughters.

It is an umbrella term for disorders that affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which primarily control personality, behavior and communication.

"Some people with frontotemporal dementia have dramatic changes in their personalities and become socially inappropriate, impulsive or emotionally indifferent, while others lose the ability to use language properly," MayoClinic says.

Due to the symptoms one shows, frontotemporal dementia can be misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's disease or psychiatric problem.

One of the classic symptoms of this disorder is a sudden and drastic change in the behaviour and personality of the patient.

Inappropriate social behaviour, loss of interpersonal skills, lack of judgment ability, apathetic behavior, decline in cleanliness and personal hygiene, change in eating pattern which sometimes can include eating inedible things and an urge to put things in the mouth.

The person has difficulty in speech and has trouble in naming things.

There is muscle weakness, rigidity in the body, twitches, poor coordination in the body, falling often and laughing or crying at inappropriate times.

The exact cause of the disease is not known. But several researchers link the disease to genetic mutation in several genes like Tau gene, GRN gene, and C9ORF72 gene..

"The cause of FTD is unknown. Researchers have linked certain subtypes of FTD to mutations on several genes. Some people with FTD have tiny structures, called Pick bodies, in their brain cells. Pick bodies contain an abnormal amount or type of protein," information available on John Hopkins Medicine website says.

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On his health condition, his family has said that: Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately. 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.

So far, there is no treatment available for frontotemporal dementia.

"Today there are no treatments for the disease, a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead," his family has said.

"As Bruce’s condition advances, we hope that any media attention can be focused on shining a light on this disease that needs far more awareness and research," they have said.