Bruce’s dementia diagnosis comes almost a year after his family shared the news that he was diagnosed with aphasia, a condition that can impact a person’s ability to communicate. At the time, they annocued the 67-year-old would be taking a step back from acting as well.
Last month, the family gave followers an update on Bruce’s condition.
“Our family wanted to start by expressing our deepest gratitude for the incredible outpouring of love, support and wonderful stories we have all received since sharing Bruce’s original diagnosis,” the Instagram message—signed by the “Ladies of Willis/Moore”—read. “In the spirit of that, we wanted to give you an update about our beloved husband, father and friend since we now have a deeper understanding of what he is experiencing.”
The statement noted, “Unfortunately, challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease Bruce faces. While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis.”
On the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration website, they further explained what this diagnosis means.
“FTD is a cruel disease that many of us have never heard of and can strike anyone,” their message read. “For people under 60, FTD is the most common form of dementia, and because getting the diagnosis can take years, FTD is likely much more prevalent than we know. Today there are no treatments for the disease, a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead.”
