Bruce Willis’ Wife Says He Is Not Aware of His Dementia Calling It a Blessing and a Curse

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Emma Heming Willis, Bruce Willis’s wife, recently shared a heartbreaking update about his frontotemporal dementia. In an interview on the January 28th podcast, Conversations with Cam, she revealed that the famous actor doesn’t fully understand what’s happening with his health.

Emma, 47, believes there’s a strange comfort in Bruce not knowing he’s sick, calling it both good and difficult. She feels relieved that he hasn’t figured out what’s happening, explaining that he simply never put the pieces together about his illness.

The actor is experiencing a neurological condition called anosognosia, which prevents the brain from acknowledging its own problems. Because of this, he doesn’t realize he’s declined medically and believes his current condition is simply how he’s always been.

Emma was careful to explain this isn’t about the actor refusing to accept reality. She stressed that their brain is actually changing due to the illness, which prevents them from recognizing what’s happening to them.

Bruce Willis’ family announced his diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in 2023. Unlike typical dementia, FTD affects the front and sides of the brain, leading to changes in personality, problems with language, and difficulties with movement.

Even though Bruce’s illness is getting worse, Emma says he’s still very much himself and remains close to the people he loves. She explained that their relationship with him is always changing, and they’ve adapted along with him as his needs and what he’s able to do have changed.

Even though their relationship has evolved, Emma appreciates how they now connect. She shared that Bruce’s relationship with her and their kids is special and still deeply important, even without a lot of talking or typical closeness.

It was really sad to hear about Bruce Willis retiring in 2022. Not long before, everyone learned he was dealing with aphasia. He managed to finish a few projects, thankfully – a handful of action movies came out in 2023, like ‘Assassin’ and the ‘Detective Knight’ films. It’s good to know he was able to work with a team that supported him even as his health got worse. Those were his last roles, and it’s a bittersweet thing to watch them knowing what he was going through.

In August 2025, Emma shared that Bruce had moved to a care facility designed to meet his individual needs with around-the-clock support. This allows his daughters, Mabel and Evelyn, to continue enjoying quality time with their father in a safe and comfortable environment.

Emma is now a leading voice for people affected by dementia. In September 2025, she published her popular memoir, The Unexpected Journey. The book is considered a vital guide for caregivers, combining her own experiences with practical and emotional support for dealing with the challenges of dementia.

Bruce Willis’s family, including his ex-wife Demi Moore and their daughters Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah, are staying strong and supportive of each other. They often share updates with fans about how they’re adjusting and highlight the lasting love and strength within their family.

Emma is sharing her experiences with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) to help others in similar caregiving roles feel understood, especially when making tough choices about long-term care and everyday challenges. She’s dedicated to raising awareness about this little-known condition and helping the public better understand it.

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2026-01-29 13:15