What is anosognosia and how does it relate to Bruce Willis's condition?

Anosognosia is a neurological condition where the brain cannot recognize its own illness, often associated with neurodegenerative diseases like frontotemporal dementia. Emma Heming Willis explained that Bruce Willis has anosognosia, so he believes his current state is normal and does not realize he has dementia.

What is frontotemporal dementia (FTD)?

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is an umbrella term for brain disorders causing progressive damage to the frontal and temporal lobes, affecting personality, behavior, language, and emotional regulation. It is the most common dementia in people under 60, with no current cure, and symptoms worsen over time.

What is the timeline of Bruce Willis's diagnoses?

In March 2022, the family announced Bruce Willis's aphasia diagnosis, leading to his retirement from acting. In February 2023, they updated it to frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

How is Bruce Willis currently living and cared for?

Bruce Willis lives with round-the-clock caregivers in a second home near his young family's residence. Emma noted he is still present in his body, recognizes family members, and connects with them beautifully.

3 sources

•

1M ago

Emma Heming Willis Says Bruce Willis 'Doesn't Know' He Has Dementia

Emma Heming Willis says 70-year-old Bruce Willis is unaware he has frontotemporal dementia and lives with round-the-clock caregivers near his family.

Overview

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

Emma Heming Willis said on the 'Conversations With Cam' podcast on Jan. 28 that 70-year-old Bruce Willis "never tapped in" and does not know he has frontotemporal dementia.

The revelation follows the family's March 2022 announcement that Bruce Willis was stepping away from acting due to aphasia and a Feb. 2023 disclosure that his diagnosis was updated to frontotemporal dementia, according to family statements.

Emma Heming Willis attributed Bruce Willis's lack of awareness to anosognosia and cited the Mayo Clinic's explanation of the condition, she said on the podcast.

Bruce Willis, 70, and Emma Heming Willis, 47, share daughters Mabel, 13, and Evelyn, 11, and Willis has three adult daughters—Rumer Glenn Willis, 37; Scout LaRue Willis, 34; Tallulah Willis, 31—according to family disclosures.

Heming Willis said Willis lives with round-the-clock caregivers in a second home near his young family's residence and that the family will continue adapting care routines, she said on the podcast.

Written using shared reports from

3 sources

Report issue

Analysis

Compare how each side frames the story — including which facts they emphasize or leave out.

Analysis unavailable for this viewpoint.

How we categorize media bias

Sources (3)

Compare how different news outlets are covering this story.

Sort By

FAQ

Dig deeper on this story with frequently asked questions.

: Anosognosia is a neurological condition where the brain cannot recognize its own illness, often associated with neurodegenerative diseases like frontotemporal dementia. Emma Heming Willis explained that Bruce Willis has anosognosia, so he believes his current state is normal and does not realize he has dementia.
Sources:
TMZ
: Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is an umbrella term for brain disorders causing progressive damage to the frontal and temporal lobes, affecting personality, behavior, language, and emotional regulation. It is the most common dementia in people under 60, with no current cure, and symptoms worsen over time.
Sources:
Hola
: In March 2022, the family announced Bruce Willis's aphasia diagnosis, leading to his retirement from acting. In February 2023, they updated it to frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
Sources:
AFTD
: Bruce Willis lives with round-the-clock caregivers in a second home near his young family's residence. Emma noted he is still present in his body, recognizes family members, and connects with them beautifully.
Sources:
TMZ