Bruce Willis’ Wife Says He Doesn’t Even Know He Has Dementia

Bruce Willis is living with frontotemporal dementia, but according to his wife Emma Heming Willis, he does not fully understand what is happening to him. She shared this personal update during her appearance on the January 28 episode of the podcast Conversations with Cam.

Speaking honestly on the podcast, Emma explained that Bruce is not aware of his illness. She described this reality as both comforting and painful at the same time. As she put it, “There is a blessing in that, but also a curse”. Emma said Bruce never made the connection that something was medically wrong with him, which brings her a small sense of peace.

Emma explained that Bruce’s lack of awareness is caused by a medical condition known as anosognosia. According to doctors, this happens when the brain cannot recognize its own damage. Because of this, Bruce sees his current state as normal. Emma made it clear that this is not a denial. She said, “It’s not that he’s in denial, it’s that his brain can’t tell him something is wrong”. This explanation was shared directly during the podcast interview.

The Willis family first shared Bruce’s frontotemporal dementia diagnosis publicly in 2023. This type of dementia affects the parts of the brain linked to behavior, speech, and movement. Unlike Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss is not always the first symptom. Instead, people often experience changes in personality and communication.

Even as the disease progresses, Emma says Bruce is still emotionally present. She shared that their relationship has changed, but the connection is still there. According to Emma, their family continues to adjust as Bruce’s needs change. She said they are constantly learning how to move forward together.

Communication looks different now, but Emma finds meaning in those moments. She shared that Bruce still connects with her and their daughters in his own way. Even without traditional conversations, she feels the bond is strong and real.

Bruce officially stepped away from acting in 2022 after being diagnosed with aphasia, which later developed into frontotemporal dementia. His final films were released in 2023, including Assassin and Detective Knight movies. These projects were completed with support from his team as his health declined.

In August 2025, Emma shared that Bruce moved into a second home designed to provide full-time professional care. According to Emma, this decision was made to ensure his safety while also creating a stable environment for their daughters, Mabel and Evelyn. She explained that this setup allows the girls to continue spending meaningful time with their father.

Emma has since become a strong voice for caregivers and families affected by dementia. In September 2025, she released her memoir The Unexpected Journey. The book combines her personal experience with guidance from medical experts and has been widely praised by readers in the caregiving community.

Bruce’s extended family remains closely involved. His ex-wife, Demi Moore, and their daughters, Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah, continue to support him and Emma. They often share moments from their lives on social media, showing how their blended family stays connected during this difficult time.

By speaking openly in interviews, on podcasts, and through her book, Emma hopes to help others feel less alone. She says many caregivers struggle silently, especially when it comes to long-term care decisions. Through sharing Bruce’s story, she wants to bring more understanding to a disease that many people still do not fully understand.

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