Emma Heming Willis has disclosed that her spouse, actor Bruce Willis, aged 70, is unaware of his dementia diagnosis. This enlightening revelation about the actor’s deteriorating health was made during a frank conversation.
In an episode of the Conversations with Cam podcast, 47-year-old Emma Heming Willis elaborated that Bruce hasn’t made the connection about his health condition. She expressed relief that he remains oblivious to his illness.
In 2023, the family made it public that Bruce Willis was suffering from frontotemporal dementia. This condition results in a rapid decrease in brain functions related to personality and language capabilities. The announcement followed his diagnosis with aphasia in 2022, which led to his decision to retire from acting in the same year.
Bruce Willis is also afflicted with anosognosia, a neurological disorder characterized by the brain’s inability to acknowledge one or more health issues. Emma clarified that Bruce’s unawareness isn’t a form of denial but a neurological symptom of the disease itself. “It’s not denial. It’s just that their brain is changing. This is a part of the disease,” she stated on the podcast, referring to Bruce’s lack of awareness as both “a blessing and a curse.”
Bruce and Emma Willis, who married in 2009, are parents to daughters Mabel, 13, and Evelyn, 11. The actor also has three daughters from his previous marriage to actress Demi Moore — Rumer Willis, 37, Scout Willis, 34, and Tallulah Willis, 31.
Emma revealed in a 2025 interview with Diane Sawyer that Bruce Willis had been relocated to a separate single-story residence from their primary home, where he is cared for by a full-time team. Caregivers assist Bruce Willis around the clock, seven days a week.
Emma indicated that the family has adjusted to Bruce’s condition, and he continues to communicate with them in significant ways. “He has a way of connecting with me, our children that might not be the same as you would connect with your loved one, but it’s still very beautiful,” she elaborated. “It’s still very meaningful. It’s just different. You just learn how to adapt.” She confirmed that Bruce still recognizes his wife and children, adding, “Does Bruce still know who you are? Yes, he does. Because he doesn’t have Alzheimer’s, he has FTD.”
In an interview with The Sunday Times in September 2025, Emma described the relocation as one of the most difficult decisions she has ever made, but necessary for their family.
The separate housing arrangement has enabled Emma to return to the role of Bruce’s wife instead of his primary caregiver. This transition has positively impacted their relationship and their daughters’ mental health. The relocation has also offered Willis more independence and created an opportunity for friends and family to visit.
Bruce Willis doesn’t always recognize his daughter, Rumer Willis. She acknowledged this harsh reality while expressing gratitude for the moments of connection they still have. Rumer is a mother to a two-year-old daughter, Louetta, with former partner Derek Richard Thomas.
Emma has authored a book titled The Unexpected Journey, offering insights into her journey as a caregiver for someone with frontotemporal dementia. She also penned an essay called The Holidays Look Different Now, reflecting on how the family’s festivities have evolved since Bruce’s diagnosis.
Frontotemporal dementia significantly differs from Alzheimer’s disease, the most prevalent form of dementia. Patients with FTD exhibit personality and behavioral changes before memory loss, a common symptom of Alzheimer’s. The disease targets the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which control judgment, impulse control, decision-making, language, and social behavior.
FTD is relatively uncommon compared to Alzheimer’s disease and typically affects individuals between 45 and 64 years old. The condition progresses at varying rates among different individuals, but generally causes a more rapid decline in specific cognitive functions than other forms of dementia. Due to the disease’s impact on brain regions responsible for personality and behavior, patients may display inappropriate social behavior, lack of empathy, compulsive behaviors, or changes in eating habits and food preferences.
Language difficulties are another defining characteristic of FTD. Some patients lose the ability to speak fluently or comprehend language, while others may repeat sentences or struggle to find the right words. These symptoms pose a significant challenge for families as they watch their loved ones struggle to express thoughts and feelings.
The progression of Bruce Willis’s condition has been gradual, with his family rallying around him to provide support and maintain his quality of life. The blended family structure, which includes Emma, Demi Moore, and all five daughters, has collaborated to ensure Bruce receives the necessary care while preserving meaningful family ties.
Emma’s candidness about Bruce’s condition has contributed to raising awareness about frontotemporal dementia and the challenges encountered by caregivers.
The financial and emotional load on caregivers of FTD patients can be immense. The disease often affects individuals during their peak working years, and the behavioral changes can make professional care challenging. Patients may be physically healthy and mobile while experiencing significant cognitive and behavioral impairments, necessitating constant supervision for their safety and well-being.
Emma’s decision to publicly share their experience provides hope and guidance to other families grappling with similar challenges.
