"Unfortunately, challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease," the family earlier said while announcing his diagnosis.
Bruce Willis and Demi Moore's 31-year-old daughter Scout is grateful for the outpour of love after revealing dad Bruce Willis' frontotemporal dementia diagnosis. She admitted that it was a challenging time for the family but the positivity from her father's fans and friends has been incredible.
"Feeling emotionally tired and a bit overwhelmed, yet also very in awe of the love so many people have for my papa," she wrote in an Instagram Story, per PEOPLE. Her sisters Tallulah Willis and Rumer Willis reposted her story on their own to share their thoughts on the situation as well. "Second this Scouter feeling the abundant love for our guy and our family 🫂," Tallulah, 29, wrote. 34-year-old Rumer added, "I third this Scouter and [Tallulah] feeling so deeply grateful and in awe of the love for us and our sweet Daddio."
The family recently announced that the actor is suffering from frontotemporal dementia. This is an umbrella term for a group of brain disorders that primarily affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, according to the Mayo Clinic. These areas of the brain are generally associated with personality, behavior and language. The actor was previously diagnosed with aphasia which affects comprehension of language, speaking, as well as reading, and writing.
In a statement, the family said they are incredibly grateful "for the incredible outpouring of love, support and wonderful stories we have all received since sharing Bruce’s original diagnosis. 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."
After his aphasia diagnosis in Spring of 2022, they learned that his condition progressed to FTD. "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 statement read.
According to PEOPLE, there is currently no cure for the disease, and the prognosis is similar to that of Alzheimer's, said Dr. Allison Reiss, an expert on dementia-related illnesses who is a member of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America's Medical, Scientific and Memory Screening Advisory Board.
"Bruce has always found joy in life — and has helped everyone he knows to do the same," the family continued in their statement. "It has meant the world to see that sense of care echoed back to him and to all of us. 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," they concluded, signing off, "Emma, Demi, Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel and Evelyn."
References:
https://www.instagram.com/scoutlaruewillis/
https://www.theaftd.org/mnlstatement23/?utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=MNL23
Cover Image Source: (L) Getty Images | Photo by Neilson Barnard (R) Instagram | scoutlaruewillis
