FTD explained
Bruce Willis’s family spoke out last week about the actor’s latest diagnosis, saying he has frontotemporal
LAST week the family of Hollywood icon Bruce Willis announced his previous diagnosis of the cognitive condition aphasia has developed into a form of dementia.
In an update, the family said they had the “deepest gratitude for the incredible outpouring of love” following the initial news, adding: “Since we announced Bruce’s diagnosis of aphasia in spring 2022, Bruce’s condition has progressed and we now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia.”
What is FTD?
FTD is an “umbrella term” for a group of dementias that mainly affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which are responsible for such things as personality, behaviour, language and speech, according to Dementia UK.
The charity said that FTD is a form of dementia that affects only around one in 20 people with a dementia diagnosis.
What causes FTD?
According to Dementia UK, FTD is caused by an “abnormal build-up of proteins within the brain” which damages the cells.
It is not known why this build-up occurs but it is thought to have a genetic link in about one third of people with the diagnosis.
FTD is most common in people aged 40 to 60 but can also affect younger or older people, the charity said. Bruce, star of hit movies like Die Hard and The Sixth Sense, is 67.
The NHS says that, like other forms of dementia, FTD tends to develop slowly and get gradually worse over the years.
What are the symptoms of FTD?
There are two types of FTD – behavioural variant FTD (bvFTD) and primary progressive aphasia (PPA).
BvFTD, which results from damage to the frontal lobes of the brain, mainly causes problems with behaviour and personality.
PPA, when damage occurs to the temporal lobes on either side of the head, causes language problems.
Alzheimer’s UK says that FTD symptoms are “very different” to other more common types of dementia, such as day-to-day memory loss – adding that in the early stages of the disease, many people can still remember recent events.
In their statement, Willis’s family said that challenges with communi“rare” cation are just one symptom of the disease the actor was facing.
The NHS says FTD can also cause physical problems including slow or stiff movements, loss of bladder or bowel control, muscle weakness or difficulty swallowing.
How is FTD treated?
According to Dementia UK, there is no prevention or cure for FTD and it is often best to “focus on practical strategies to help the person live as well as possible with the diagnosis”.
Willis’s family said that the lack of treatment for the disease was “a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead” with further research.
They added that as the actor’s condition advances, they hope media attention will be used to raise more awareness of FTD.
“Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately,” they said.
“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.
“Bruce has always found joy in life – and has helped everyone he knows to do the same.”
UK charities have said that they are “hugely thankful” to Bruce for publicly sharing his diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia, as it will help raise awareness of the condition.
A spokesperson for Dementia UK said: “We’re sorry to hear that Bruce has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.
“By choosing to speak publicly about his diagnosis, more awareness can be raised about FTD and hopefully it will encourage others to seek advice if they are experiencing concerns about their brain health.”
Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others
The Willis family
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