(CNN) Bruce Willis’ family has announced that the actor has a form of dementia called frontotemporal dementia, or FTD for short.
In a statement shared Thursday, the 67-year-old star’s family said that while the news is “painful, it’s a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis.”
“Today there are no treatments for the disease, a reality that we hope will change in the years to come. We hope media attention can focus on shedding some light on this disease, which requires much more awareness and research as Bruce’s condition progresses,” the statement said.
Willis’ family – including wife Emma Heming Willis, ex-wife Demi Moore and his daughters – first announced his diagnosis of aphasia in 2022. They said at the time that Willis was suffering from an illness that was affecting his cognitive abilities and would be taking a break from acting.
“Bruce has always believed in using his voice in the world to help others and raise awareness of important issues both publicly and privately,” his family’s new statement read. “We know in our hearts that if he could today, he would want to respond by bringing global awareness and a connection with those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease and how it affects so many people and their families.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, frontotemporal dementia is an “umbrella term for a group of brain disorders that primarily affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. These areas of the brain are generally associated with personality, behavior, and language.”
Willis’ most recent acting credit is Detective Knight: Independence, which was released in January 2023 and is the third installment in the Detective Knight thriller film series. He also has the action movie Assassin due out next month.
Willis and Heming Willis share two daughters, Mabel and Evelyn. He is father to daughters Rumer, Scout and Tallulah with Moore.
Rumer Willis is currently expecting her first child with boyfriend Derek Richard Thomas.
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Bruce has always found joy in life – and has helped everyone he knows do the same. It has meant that the world has thrown that sense of care back at him and all of us,” the statement added. “We were so moved by the love you all shared for our dear husband, father and friend during this difficult time. Your continued compassion, understanding and respect will allow us to help Bruce live the fullest life possible.”