Bruce Willis' Wife Shares 'The Blessing And The Curse' Of His Dementia Diagnosis
According to Bruce Willis' wife, Emma Heming Willis, the "Die Hard" actor has "never connected the dots" on his frontotemporal dementia (FTD) diagnosis. Speaking with Cameron Oaks Rogers on the January 28, 2026, episode of "Conversations with Cam," Emma added that she is "really happy" about this fact, explaining, "I think that's like the blessing and the curse of this."
Continuing on, Emma told the podcast host that Bruce has what's known as "anosognosia," a condition that prevents him from understanding what's happening to his brain. As the Alzheimer's Association notes, people with this symptom are not in denial about their impairment. They are simply not capable of understanding that anything has changed and genuinely believe that nothing is wrong. This can often complicate the task of caregiving since a loved one may not understand their limitations or believe they need help.
Other ways frontotemporal dementia affects patients and their families
The Association for Frontotemoral Degeneration says that this form of dementia occurs because there is degeneration of the frontal and/or temporal lobes of the brain. It is different from Alzheimer's disease, which is the most common type of dementia. One big difference is that it strikes earlier in life, between the ages of 45 and 64 (although younger people aren't immune to Alzheimer's disease). It also has different symptoms, including personality changes, apathy, and problems with decision-making, movement, and language. Ironically, those with FTD may appear to be completely healthy. However, over time, they can become more susceptible to falls, infections, or pneumonia.
The National Institute on Aging adds that having a loved one with FTD can be difficult for caregivers, both physically and emotionally. Not only must they manage the person's day-to-day care, but they must also cope with the changing relationship with their loved one. Additionally, there can be financial concerns due to medical expenses and loss of income. The caregiver may also be placed in a position of having to make decisions around long-term and end-of-life care.