Bruce Willis’ Wife to Release Book About Caregiving After His Dementia Diagnosis
By Movieguide® Contributor
Bruce Willis’ wife, Emma Heming Willis, is publishing a book for caregivers following her husband’s dementia diagnosis.
According to PEOPLE, “The book, which is currently untitled, is inspired by Heming Willis’ ‘newfound role as a care partner’ to her husband after his diagnosis with frontotemporal dementia in February 2023. The actor was first diagnosed with aphasia, a language disorder, which led to him ‘stepping away’ from acting in March 2022. Willis’ family confirmed that the disease had progressed to frontotemporal dementia, also known as FTD.”
Movieguide® reported:
“Our family wanted to start by expressing our deepest gratitude for the incredible outpouring of love, support and wonderful stories we have all received since sharing Bruce’s original diagnosis,” Willis’ ex-wife, actress Demi Moore, wrote on Instagram. “In the spirit of that, we wanted to give you an update about our beloved husband, father and friend since we now have a deeper understanding of what he is experiencing.”
She continued, “Since we announced Bruce’s diagnosis of aphasia in spring 2022, Bruce’s condition has progressed and we now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia (known as FTD). Unfortunately, challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease Bruce faces. While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis.”
Symptoms of FTD include unusual behaviors, emotional problems and difficulty communicating, working and walking.
Heming Willis hopes her book will inspire and encourage other caregivers.
“I want this book to land in the hands of care partners, but especially new care partners, who have just received this life-changing news,” she explained. “They should know they are not alone and there is support, even hope. In a perfect world, I envision this book in that doctor’s office, and he or she puts it in their hands to bring home.”
“For me knowledge is power, and building a supportive community around me has been vital,” Heming Willis said in a statement about the book. “It has brought stability and a certain amount of control back, control that was completely shattered when the diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia first came into our family’s world.”
“Identifying the right resources to educate and enlighten myself has been powerful and has allowed me the space to continue to move forward in the most positive way so that I can be the best mother, wife, daughter, friend and care partner,” she added. “I want to be able to share that with the next person who finds themselves here.”
Heming Willis is publishing the book through Maria Shriver’s Open Field publishing company.
“Partnering with Maria Shriver and her Open Field publishing company is a natural fit,” Heming Willis said. “I’ve always been motivated by Maria and her generous spirit in all things, especially when it comes to her devoted advocacy within the Alzheimer’s and dementia space.”
Shriver added, “I’m thrilled to be publishing Emma’s book for caregivers. She and I have known each other for a long time, and I’m so proud of the way she is using her voice to help others.”
Heming Willis’ book will be released in 2025.
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