Bruce Willis 'living in his own world' as health decline revealed after FTD diagnosis
Bruce Willis 'living in his own world' as health decline revealed after FTD diagnosis
Chiara Fiorillo Mon, November 9, 2026 at 2:33 PM UTC
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Bruce Willis was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in 2023 -Credit:AFP via Getty Images (AFP via Getty Images)
Bruce Willis is said to be "living in his own world" as a source detailed the actor's heartbreaking decline following his frontotemporal dementia diagnosis.
The Die Hard star, 71, was diagnosed with FTD in 2023, about one year after his diagnosis of aphasia, a brain disorder that leads to speaking, reading and writing problems. FTD affects regions in the front and sides of the brain, causing problems with behavior and language.
There are no treatments to slow or stop the disease and while symptoms tend to worsen over time, progression varies by person. A source has now claimed that Bruce "has declined a lot mentally" but is unaware of his mental decline.
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"He knows his life is different, but he doesn't think it is that different," the source told the Daily Mail, adding that he appears to be "living in his own world." The source said that sometimes Bruce "looks like a baby who is staring at an object with curiosity, just taking it in, but if you look at him, he appears like a healthy middle-aged man."
The actor's health is said to be declining -Credit:Anadolu via Getty Images
Meanwhile, the source claimed that many of Bruce's Hollywood pals no longer keep in close contact. "That is how the business is," the source said. "Once you stop working, all those glam friends forget you. In this town, the A-listers are saying, 'Bruce who?'"
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Mirror US has contacted Bruce's rep for comment.
The actor originally stepped away from acting in March 2022 after being diagnosed with aphasia. Then in February 2023, his family announced that his condition had progressed to FTD.
They said in a statement, "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.
"FTD is a cruel disease that many of us have never heard of and can strike anyone. For people under 60, FTD is the most common form of dementia, and because getting the diagnosis can take years, FTD is likely much more prevalent than we know. Today there are no treatments for the disease, a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead.
Bruce's wife, Emma Heming Willis, has been supporting him -Credit:VCG via Getty Images
"As Bruce's condition advances, we hope that any media attention can be focused on shining a light on this disease that needs far more awareness and research."
Bruce's wife, Emma Heming Willis, coordinates his care journey, supported by the actor's ex-wife, Demi Moore, his older daughters, and family members who visit frequently to spend time together.
In August 2026, the actor attended the wedding of his daughter Tallulah Willis and musician Justin Acee at the family's home in Idaho. He also made a rare public appearance shortly before that on July 19, when he was photographed riding in the passenger seat of a car in Studio City, Los Angeles.
The Mirror US has approached Bruce Willis' representative for comment.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
