Bruce Willis' Condition Worsens, Only Responds to Voice of Ex-Wife Demi Moore

• celebrities

It's been a difficult time for Bruce Willis and his family since the actor was diagnosed with aphasia, a speech disorder that affects his cognitive abilities, last year. The disease has now progressed, and the family has revealed that Willis is battling frontotemporal dementia (FTD), which affects behavior with symptoms that include personality changes, obsessive behavior, and speech difficulties.

Bruce Willis' Determination to Make Memories with his Grandchild

According to a source close to the family, Willis is determined to stay coherent and lucid for as long as possible, especially as he awaits the arrival of his grandson.

His daughter Rumer Willis recently announced that she is pregnant, and they expect the actor to still be conscious to meet his grandchild. "He's dead-set that this new baby is going to get the best he has to offer," the source said. "They know he won't be around forever, so they're cherishing every single moment."

A Family's Heartbreaking Journey with Frontotemporal Dementia

The family had earlier shared photos showing them spending precious moments together.

Willis' wife, Emma Hemming Willis, has built a great relationship with his ex-wife, Demi Moore, who is the only person whose voice Willis recognizes over the phone. "Demi has been in constant contact with Bruce and Emma," the source said.

"She's taking every opportunity she can to spend time with him. If she's not there by his side, she's calling on the phone just so Bruce can hear her voice." As the disease progresses, the family has noticed that Willis is slipping further away from them, and it breaks their hearts.

"It seems he's slipping further away from them, and it breaks their heart. It's been painful to see him deteriorate," the source said. "The older girls miss the old Bruce - the one who used to tease them about their boyfriends and give them unsolicited advice." FTD is a progressive disease, and there is currently no cure.

However, the family is relieved to finally have a clear diagnosis. "Since we announced Bruce's diagnosis of aphasia in spring 2022, Bruce's condition has progressed, and we now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia (known as FTD)," the source said.

In the face of this difficult situation, the Willis family is cherishing every moment and hoping for the best. As the source put it, "He's determined to stay coherent and lucid for as long as possible so his grandchild can have some happy memories of a grandfather who was present and active in his or her life."