Diagnosis comes less than a year after retirement due to aphasia

The family of celebrity Bruce Willis revealed the actor received a diagnosis of dementia. Less than a year before, 67-year-old Willis announced his retirement from acting as he was suffering from aphasia. Aphasia is a disorder, which affects communication, making language expression and understanding difficult. 

The Hollywood icon’s doctors say he has frontotemporal dementia

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) affects the part of the brain located behind the forehead. Symptoms of FTD differ from the typical memory issues associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia types. Some typical FTD symptoms may include things like:

• Repetitive and compulsive movements
• Slow speech
• Trouble comprehending common words like ‘table’
• New interest and obsession with timekeeping
• Loss of everyday politeness and manners
• Repeated use of certain word phrases
• Personality changes
• Diminished ability to solve everyday problems
• Inability to show sympathy and interest in others
• Memory loss
• Several other possible issues with cognitive ability

Although FTD is rare, it’s one of the most common dementia-type diseases in those under 65 years of age, according to the Mayo Clinic. Like Alzheimers and other types of dementia, FTD gets progressively worse as time passes. As the disease progresses, more areas of the brain become damaged and symptoms begin to resemble those in the final stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Treatments involve therapies to ease symptoms and help elevate the affected person’s quality of life as much as possible. 

Sufferers often need round-the-clock care in the later stages of FTD. Rate of progression varies from person to person, so life expectancy ranges anywhere from two to 10 years, sometimes longer. 

How families deal with a loved one with dementia

Willis’ current wife, Emma Heming and ex-wife Demi Moore have put their differences aside and joined together in an effort to rally behind the star. Willis and Moore have three daughters together, now grown, who are also involved in caring for him as well. Both of the women revealed the agonizing grief they experienced directly after the diagnosis. This is a normal reaction to this kind of life-altering news whether the loved one is a famous actor or a regular everyday person. 

Learning how to deal with their loved one’s new behaviors, communication issues, difficulty with daily activities, and other complications is key to peace of mind. This is where education and coaching from experienced, compassionate professionals in dementia care helps so much.

Best care for dementia patients and their families

Dementia patients definitely benefit from strong family support, but it’s also important to involve care services from compassionate caring professionals. This takes some of the pressure off of loved ones, helping them avoid burnout. Lyght Bulb Moments® provides consultations and services to help dementia patients, like Bruce Willis, experience important “Lyght Bulb Moments” and improve quality of everyday life. 

Consulting with a dementia care specialist will provide much needed education and individualized care plans to address the family’s unique needs related to caring for a loved one with dementia.

If you have a loved one with dementia, contact Lyght Bulb Moments® today to set up a
free, no-obligation consultation.
Call today!