Hollywood actor Bruce Willis has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.
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In a statement, the family said it was a “relief to finally have a clear diagnosis”.
Willis was diagnosed with aphasia in spring last year, a condition affecting his speech, has progressed, resulting in a more specific diagnosis.
His family expressed their “deepest gratitude for the incredible outpouring of love”, adding that frontotemporal dementia is the most common form of dementia in people under 60.
“Today there are no treatments for the disease, a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead,” read the statement.
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The 67-year-old became a household name in the 1980s and 90s with blockbuster films “Die Hard”, “The Sixth Sense”, “Armageddon” and “Pulp Fiction”.
His career has seen him nominated for five Golden Globes, winning one for “Moonlighting”, along with three Emmy nominations, of which he won two.
“Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately,” the statement continued.
“We know in our hearts that – if he could today – he would want to respond by bringing global attention and a connectedness with those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease and how it impacts so many individuals and their families.”
The statement was signed by members of Willis’ family, including his wife Emma Heming, with whom he has two daughters, and his former wife Demi Moore and their three daughters.
Frontotemporal dementia is an “uncommon” form of the disease that causes the sufferer problems with behaviour and language.
Symptoms also include slow or stiff movements, loss of bladder or bowel control (although this tends to occur later on), and muscle weakness.
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Picture: Getty