Bruce Willis' wife Emma Heming Willis has spoken about the “important” it is to “share your feelings” and not “suppress them” in her husband's battle with dementia – while revealing the support groups she has been turning to Addressing his diagnosis, she described it as “a game changer she didn't know she needed.”
The 68-year-old Die Hard star's family confirmed in March 2022 that he suffers from aphasia, and in February they revealed that he also suffers from frontotemporal dementia – a rare form of neurodegenerative disease that affects a person's personality and behavior can affect ', and language.'
Last week, his wife of 14 years posted an emotional video on Instagram to mark their Bruce anniversary, explaining how important it was for her to have “community and connection” as his health improved worsened.
Now the 45-year-old model has shared a follow-up clip detailing some of the organizations offering help to family members of dementia patients after she said she received a lot of messages from people struggling to find someone to trust She admitted that it “hurt her heart.”
Bruce Willis' wife Emma Heming Willis has spoken openly about the “important” it is to “share your feelings” and not “suppress them” amid her husband's battle with dementia.
Bruce's family confirmed in March 2022 that he had aphasia, and in February they revealed that he also had frontotemporal dementia. He was seen with Emma in 2009
Last week, Emma Bruce posted an emotional video to mark his anniversary, explaining how important it was for her to have “community and connection” as his health worsened
“I'm feeling much better now.” “I'm clear-headed and just wanted to share a few things with you,” she began in the video posted on New Year's Eve.
“My last post was about community and connection and how important it was for me to be able to share my feelings with someone.”
Now the 45-year-old model has shared a follow-up clip detailing some of the support groups she's turned to since his diagnosis, which she described as “a game changer she didn't know she needed.”
“Some of the comments and messages that came in were, ‘You’re so lucky to have this. I don't have anyone to share anything with.' That hurts my heart.'
Emma explained that she was in a “dark place” during the early stages of her husband's illness, but after she began to “build a community around herself where experiences were shared,” it was as if it had changed “the heavens opened”.
She added that “not all of your friends and family” “know what to say or how to show up for you,” which is why it's important to use “online support groups.”
“Not all of your friends and family will know what to say, how to act, or what to do. “That’s okay,” she continued.
“If they don't have that shared experience, it could be really difficult for them to present themselves.” They get a pass.
“I have a few friends who don’t have that shared experience and can just be there to listen, and that’s all I need from them.”
She said she received a lot of messages from people struggling to find someone to confide in, which she admitted “hurt her heart.”
Emma explained that she was in a “dark place” at the start of her husband's illness, but after she began to “build a community around herself,” it was like “the heavens opened up.”
“I know some of you [don’t know] Where can I find the support so I will try to do this for you. I'm going to give you some ways to find support.'
The 45-year-old suggested that you “start with your neurology practice,” as it typically has “a social worker.”
“Lean on them, they are there to provide support and resources,” she added. “Ask them, “Is there a support group I can join?”
She also highlighted three organizations that can help people caring for someone with dementia – including Hilarity For Charity, The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD) and Lorenzo's House, all of which have “virtual online support groups.”
“I linked everything in my bio. Please find support, find your people, find someone,” she urged.
“When you can share with someone who knows what you're going through, it honestly feels like the biggest, warmest hug.”
In her original clip, shared on December 28, makeup-free Emma admitted that she had just “had a good cry” with a “really dear friend.”
She explained that “someone she can trust with her feelings” is her “lifeline.”
“I just got off the phone with a really dear friend who I had a good cry with,” she said.
“It's really important to have someone you can confide in with your feelings instead of just suppressing them and putting your best foot forward and just pushing through things, which I have a tendency to do.”
“Holidays are hard, anniversaries are hard.” For me, this year was really about building community and connection. I just want to say that this was my lifeline.”
Emma and Bruce met in 2007 and tied the knot two years later in March 2009. The couple had two daughters, Mabel (11) and Evelyn (9).
The actor was married to Demi Moore from 1987 to 2000, with whom he has three other daughters: Rumer (35), Scout (32) and Tallulah (29).
In her original clip, shared on December 28, makeup-free Emma explained that “someone she can trust with her feelings” is her “lifeline.”
In the video's caption, she added that she learned from her husband Bruce to rely on her friends.
“Bruce calls it the inner circle, the people we have in our lives that we call on, trust and rely on,” she said.
“I’m lucky to have an inner circle of people who can’t offer a way to fix the problem, but can just listen. That helps a lot.”
She also admitted that the support she received online was “essential for her.”
“That inner circle is here on this channel too… You showed up.” “People from all walks of life share the same unfortunate thread that binds us together,” she concluded.
“I receive countless messages of love and support because Bruce is so popular.” It rains down on him and I'm lucky enough to stand under it and catch the raindrops, which feel like a waterfall of goodness.
“I wish I could answer all the messages because they are deep, raw and poetic, but know that I value them very much.” It also makes me feel less alone. I'm grateful to you.'
Emma and Bruce met in 2007 and tied the knot two years later in March 2009. The couple had two daughters, Mabel (11) and Evelyn (9).
The actor was married to Demi Moore from 1987 to 2000, with whom he has three other daughters: Rumer (35), Scout (32) and Tallulah (29).
WHAT IS DEMENTIA?
Dementia is an umbrella term for a number of neurological diseases
A global concern
Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of progressive neurological disorders (affecting the brain) that affect memory, thinking and behavior.
There are many types of dementia, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common.
Some people may experience a combination of different forms of dementia.
Regardless of which type is diagnosed, each person experiences dementia in their own unique way.
Dementia is a global problem, but is most common in wealthier countries where people are likely to live into old age.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE AFFECTED?
The Alzheimer's Society reports that there are now more than 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK. By 2040, this number is expected to rise to 1.6 million.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting between 50 and 75 percent of those diagnosed.
There are an estimated 5.5 million Alzheimer's patients in the United States. A similar percentage increase is expected in the coming years.
As you get older, the risk of developing dementia also increases.
Diagnosis rates are increasing, but it is believed that many people with dementia still go undiagnosed.
Is there a cure?
There is currently no cure for dementia.
But new medications can slow the progression, and the earlier it is detected, the more effective treatments can be.
Source: Alzheimer's Society