Bruce Willis’ Family Confirms Plan to Donate His Brain for Research
Emma Heming-Willis has shared how her family is preparing for the challenges of Bruce Willis’ ongoing illness.
The actor, 70, was diagnosed three years ago with frontotemporal dementia, a condition that affects memory, communication, and cognitive skills. He now lives in a specialized home where he receives 24-hour medical care.
Emma explained that she has carefully planned how the family will handle the hardest moments.
She said this helps them focus on supporting one another instead of dealing with practical details during emotional times. She is also guiding their daughters, 13-year-old Mabel and 11-year-old Evelyn, to understand and adjust to the changes in their father’s health.
The family has announced that Bruce’s brain will be donated for scientific research. Emma said, “This decision is emotionally difficult, but scientifically necessary for understanding frontotemporal dementia.” The move is meant to help doctors and scientists learn more about the disease that has impacted their lives so deeply.
Rumer Willis, Bruce’s eldest daughter, also shared an update about her father on Instagram. She said that answering questions about his condition is not simple. “Anybody with FTD is not doing great. But he’s doing OK in terms of somebody who’s dealing with frontotemporal dementia, you know what I mean?”
Rumer added that simple phrases like “he’s doing great” don’t fit the reality. She explained in another post, “I’m so happy and grateful that I still get to go and hug him. Whether he recognizes me or not, he can feel the love I’ve given him and I can feel it back.”
Rumer Willis gives heartbreaking update on dad Bruce’s dementia battle: ‘Not doing great’ https://t.co/E62Zw0WG8e pic.twitter.com/7ZB5zJ9RmB
— New York Post (@nypost) November 21, 2025
The family continues to face the illness together, focusing on love, support, and raising awareness about frontotemporal dementia.
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