Emma Heming Willis Speaks Openly on Bruce Willis’s Declining Health Amid Dementia Battle

Published: 27 August 2025. The English Chronicle Desk

Emma Heming Willis, the wife of celebrated Hollywood actor Bruce Willis, has spoken for the first time in deeply emotional terms about the toll that dementia has taken on her husband, describing how the disease is stripping away his language abilities and gradually weakening his mind, even as his physical health remains strong.

Bruce Willis, now 70, who captivated audiences worldwide with roles in Die Hard, The Sixth Sense, and countless other films, was diagnosed more than three years ago with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a rare but devastating neurological condition that profoundly affects behaviour, personality, and language. In an exclusive interview with ABC News aired via Good Morning America, Heming Willis revealed the painful realities of living with the disease while also calling for greater recognition and support for caregivers.

“Bruce is still very mobile, Bruce is in really great health overall,” she said. “It’s just his brain that is failing him. The language is going, and we’ve learned to adapt. We have a way of communicating with him, which is just a… different way.” Her words offered both a glimpse of the Willis family’s private struggles and a powerful message of resilience.

Heming Willis, a model, entrepreneur, and now author, is preparing for the release of her book Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path, in which she shares her personal experiences navigating the challenges of caring for a loved one with dementia. She explained that in the early stages of Bruce’s illness, she felt she had to carry the burden alone, enduring sleepless nights and social isolation. Over time, however, she came to recognise that sharing her story could provide strength and solidarity to other carers who may be facing similar battles in silence.

The condition afflicting Willis remains relatively uncommon, with Alzheimer’s Research UK estimating that just over 30,000 people in Britain live with frontotemporal dementia. Yet, its effects are profound, often robbing individuals of their ability to express themselves and placing an immense emotional and practical strain on families.

Despite the heartbreaking progression of the disease, Heming Willis emphasised that moments of Bruce’s vibrant personality still shine through. “Not days, but we get moments,” she explained. “It’s his laugh, right? He has such a hearty laugh. And sometimes you’ll see that twinkle in his eye, or that smirk, and I just get transported. As quickly as those moments appear, they go. It’s hard. But I’m grateful. I’m grateful that my husband is still very much here.”

The Willis family – including Emma and Bruce’s two young daughters, as well as his three elder daughters with former partner Demi Moore – remain united in supporting him. Their story, Heming Willis hopes, will provide comfort and guidance to others struggling under the weight of caregiving responsibilities.

Her openness has drawn praise from experts and campaigners. Samantha Benham-Hermetz, Executive Director at Alzheimer’s Research UK, described Heming Willis’s decision to speak candidly as “a powerful act of courage,” adding that her words will resonate widely. “Her openness will mean so much to the many families who are facing similar challenges, reminding them that they are not alone. Personal stories like Emma and Bruce’s are vital. They raise awareness, foster understanding, and highlight the urgent need for research.”