Actor Bruce Willis has dementia. What to know about the disease

The actor Bruce Willis has been diagnose with dementia, resulting from a diagnosis of aphasia in the year’s spring. the family of Bruce Willis announced Thursday.

Particularly, Willis has frontotemporal dementia and aphasia, which may be present that causes difficulties with writing and speaking.

“Unfortunately, challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease Bruce faces,” his family stated. “While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis.”

Willis’s family announced last year that the actor was taking a break from his career for decades due to his diminished cognitive abilities.

How do you define frontotemporal dementia?

Frontotemporal dementia, also referred to as FTD is one of many types of dementia that causes nerve damage to the temporal and frontal lobes. This leads to the loss of function in these areas, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

There are various kinds of frontotemporal dementia. The behavioural variant of frontotemporal dementia results in nerve loss in areas of the brain which control the ability to judge, empathy and conduct.

Primary progressive aphasia causes damage to the areas of the brain that regulate the ability to write, speak and comprehend. The first signs typically occurs before the age of 65, however, it can happen later.

 

FTD can also affect motor function and movements, that could lead to Lou Gehrig’s disease. It is sometimes refer to as ALS.

What is the difference between FTD and Alzheimer’s?

The diagnosis of FTD is usually seen in people between the ages of 40 and 60 and Alzheimer’s is diagnosed in later ages. The disease is associated with hallucinations and memory loss as well as problems with spatial awareness and orientation, like being lost.

Treatment and diagnosis

The doctors use brain imaging technologies like MRIs for diagnosing FTD. The results are evaluate together with the patient’s medical history as well as symptoms. About 30% of those affected by frontotemporal dementia develop the condition; however, there is no risk factor identify for the disease.

There are medicines that aid in relieving symptoms, but the condition will get worse over time.

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