"I think it’s a losing game"- When Demi Moore spoke about supporting Bruce Willis through his dementia diagnosis
Following Bruce Willis's diagnosis of dementia and aphasia, Demi Moore has remained involved with her ex-husband and his family as his condition progresses. She married the Die Hard star in November 1987 and welcomed three daughters with him before divorcing in October 2000. Nevertheless, the two have maintained a close bond over the years.
According to People Magazine, Bruce Willis was first diagnosed with aphasia in March 2022. In the wake of his diagnosis, his family mentioned that he would retire from acting as his condition impacted his ability to speak, read, and write. A year later, on February 16, 2023, his family announced that the actor was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a degenerative disease primarily affecting communication and behavior.
When Demi Moore was honored with the Career Achievement in Acting Award at the 2024 Hamptons International Film Festival on October 13, 2024, she shared a health update regarding Willis' condition. The G.I. Jane actress emphasized the need for "deep acceptance" of people in a similar situation. She went on to say:
"The disease is what the disease is. And I think you have to be in real deep acceptance of what that is. But for where he's at, he is stable. What I always encourage is to just meet them where they're at. When you're holding on to what was, I think it's a losing game. But when you show up to meet them where they're at, there is great beauty and sweetness."
More about Demi Moore's ex-husband Bruce Willis's diagnosis
According to the Alzheimer's Association, Frontotemporal dementia is a type of brain disorder caused by damaged nerve cells in the brain's frontal (behind the forehead) and temporal lobes (behind the ears). It can cause issues with speech, emotions, and also lead to changes in one's behavior and personality.
Furthermore, it is characterized by a loss of motor skills that can affect everyday activities like swallowing and walking and cause muscle spasms. Moreover, FTD is a degenerative disease, meaning a patient's condition worsens over time and has no cure.
Bruce’s primary caregiver is his wife, Emma Heming Willis. He has two young daughters with Emma named Mabel Willis and Evelyn Willis.
Moreover, his daughters with Demi Moore, Rumer Willis, Scout Willis, and Tallulah Willis, have been sharing regular updates about the 69-year-old's health condition with fans. Also, his friend Glenn Gordon Caron told The New York Post in October 2023 that the star has lost his signature "joie de vivre."
"He’s not totally verbal; he used to be a voracious reader — he didn’t want anyone to know that — and he’s not reading now. All those language skills are no longer available to him, and yet he’s still Bruce. When you’re with him you know that he’s Bruce and you’re grateful that he’s there, but the joie de vivre is gone."
Demi Moore won accolades for her role in The Substance
Demi Moore last appeared on the big screen in The Substance, a satirical body horror film directed, written, co-edited, and co-produced by Coralie Fargeat.
The 62-year-old actress plays Elisabeth Sparkle, an aging aerobics show host who uses a black market drug to create a younger version of herself, leading to deadly consequences. In addition to Moore, the film also stars Margaret Qualley, Dennis Quaid, Edward Hamilton Clark, Christian Erickson, Oscar Lesage, Robin Greer, Tom Morton, and Hugo Diego Garcia, among others.
The movie premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 19, 2024, and was released nationwide on September 20, 2024. Box Office Mojo reported that the film earned $78 million against a budget of $17.5 million. The Substance was widely praised upon its release and bagged five nominations at the 2025 Golden Globe Awards, including several other accolades. Moreover, Demi Moore won the award for 'Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy' for her performance in the film.
Follow us for more updates on Hollywood celebrities and the most trending movies and television shows.
