Bruce Willis’ Wife Sets the Record Straight as Actor’s Condition Worsens

Bruce Willis’ wife, Emma Heming Willis, is clearing up a “misconception” about her husband’s condition.

In a series of interviews promoting her new book, “The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path,” Emma refuted claims that Bruce no longer recognizes his family.

Speaking with NewsNation, Emma clarified that the “Die Hard” actor still knows who his family members are. She pointed out that, unlike Alzheimer’s disease, which greatly affects memory, Bruce’s condition impacts his communication and behavior.

“FTD isn’t Alzheimer’s,” Emma clarified. “Bruce doesn’t have Alzheimer’s. So he does know who we are.”

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Bruce Willis’ Condition Worsens

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Emma previously revealed that Bruce’s condition has worsened in recent months. The actor is said to have a hard time communicating now, and that his brain is “failing him.”

“Bruce is still very mobile,” Emma told ABC News’ Diane Sawyer. “Bruce is in really great health overall, you know. It’s just his brain that is failing him.”

She added:

“The language is going, and, you know, we’ve learned to adapt. And we have a way of communicating with him, which is just a … different way.”

Emma noted that while Bruce finds it difficult to verbalize his affection, their family doesn’t need words to feel his love.

“We don’t need words,” she told NewsNation. “We have a very deep connection, and we have learned to sort of meet him where he’s at. And just be supportive and be able to love him.”

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A Blessing & a Curse

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In the same interview, Emma noted that it’s actually a blessing that Bruce isn’t aware he has FTD.

“The person doesn’t realize that they are experiencing a decline in their health,” she explained. “So it’s not denial; this is just a part of the disease. So, it’s a blessing and a curse. But I am grateful that Bruce never tapped into the idea that he had FTD.”

In September, Emma faced criticism after revealing that Bruce is living in a one-story home near the family’s house with a full-time care team. She defended the arrangement, explaining why it’s the best decision for him and their children.

“Dementia plays out differently in everyone’s home, and you have to do what’s right for your family dynamic and what’s right for your person,” she told PEOPLE. “It’s heartbreaking to me. But this is how we were able to support our whole family, [and] it has opened up Bruce’s world.”