In a sincere interview with Diane Sawyer, Emma Heming Willis, the wife of actor Bruce Willis, shared the challenges of taking care of her husband, who was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.
The couple met in 2005 and married in 2009; They have two daughters together.
Heming Willis noticed that something was wrong when Bruce Willis, known for his talkative nature, has become quieter and less committed.
“I was just thinking: ‘God, it’s so weird because for someone who was very talkative and very committed, he was just a little quieter,” she recalls.
At first, she did not understand what was going on, even questioning their marriage as their partnership changed.
Bruce Willis was initially diagnosed with aphasia, which affects language, but its symptoms have worsened over time, leading to a diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia.
Heming Willis informed his daughters of his state from the start, ensuring that they did not know that it was not a lack of attention from their father.
Despite his diagnosis, Bruce Willis is still mobile and in good physical health, although his brain is affected. Heming Willis believes that he recognizes her and his family, citing moments when he lights up and reports to her.
However, she made the difficult decision to move him to a “second home” with 24 -hour care, to prioritize her safety and the needs of their daughters.
Heming Willis sailed not only on her husband’s state, but also defends caregivers and families affected by dementia. His next book, Unexpected journey: finding strength, hope and yourself on the way to careShare his experience and aims to support others in similar situations.
“No matter where we come, to whom we are married, this level of sadness and sorrow and anger and resentment and all this is a common thread that we all share,” she said.
