Bruce Willis has dementia. Why won't the paparazzi stop yelling at him?

Fans the world over were devastated when Bruce Willis was diagnosed with aphasia in March 2022 – a diagnosis that was later updated to frontotemporal dementia. Now, the Die Hard actor is facing a new layer in his battle, with his wife Emma Heming Willis forced to make a public plea for people to stop "yelling" at her husband in the street.

“It’s clear that there’s still a lot of education that needs to be put forth [about dementia]. So this one is going out to the photographers and the video people [who] are trying to get those ‘exclusives’ of my husband out and about: just keep your space,” she said in an Instagram post after photographers shouted to get his attention during a morning coffee run recently. 

“I know this is your job but maybe just keep your space.” 

Watch: What is dementia? Post continues after video. 

"Since we announced Bruce’s diagnosis of aphasia... Bruce’s condition has progressed and we now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia (known as FTD)," the family wrote.

"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," the family shared. 

"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." 

There is no cure for FTD and patients see their personality, speech and motor impairment change.

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A post shared by Emma Heming Willis (@emmahemingwillis)

"Bruce has always found joy in life – and has helped everyone he knows to do the same. It has meant the world to see that sense of care echoed back to him and to all of us," the statement went on.

"We have been so moved by the love you have all shared for our dear husband, father, and friend during this difficult time. Your continued compassion, understanding, and respect will enable us to help Bruce live as full a life as possible."

Willis and his second wife, Emma, married in 2009 and have two daughters together: Mabel, 10, and Evelyn, eight. The actor also shares three daughters – Rumer, 34, Scout, 31, and Tallulah, 29 – with his first wife, Demi Moore.

Emma Heming Willis, Demi Moore, Bruce Willis and their five children. Image: Instagram @demimoore.

Fellow actor Moore has remained close to her ex-husband and his family. "Demi and Bruce have always had one of those rare relationships that actually improved once they’d gotten divorced," an insider told Who magazine.

"Once the pressure was off, over time, they became the best of friends, helped by their determination to give their girls the best lives possible. Which is why Demi has promised Bruce – and Emma – that she’ll be there for them forever."

In a recent post, Emma shared she was going to use her platform "to advocate for her husband".

"And while I'm at it, I'm going to raise awareness for FTD and for caregivers who are unsung heroes... And then I am going to turn my grief and my anger and my sadness and do something good." 

Feature Image: Getty.