Bruce Willis‘ wife Emma Hemming has admitted it’s ‘hard to know’ whether or not the Hollywood actor is aware of his brain illness.

In February of this year, Emma announced that the 68-year-old star had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) – an uncommon type of the disease that causes a deterioration in behavior, personality and language.  

Speaking to Hoda Kotb on Monday’s edition of Today, Emma, 45, fought back tears as she gave an update on Bruce’s ‘hard’ condition and said that just being in the know ‘makes it a little bit easier’.

When Hoda, 59, asked how Bruce is doing, Emma took a deep breath and replied: ‘What I’m learning is that dementia is hard. It’s hard on the person diagnosed. It’s also hard on the family. And that is no different for Bruce or myself or our girls.

‘And when they say that this is a family disease, it really is,’ she said, referring to her two young daughters, Mabel and Evelyn.

When asked how she went about explaining his illness to their children, Emma explained: ‘I think it’s always been… we’re a very honest and open household. 

‘And, the most important thing was to be able for us to say what the disease was, explain what it is because when you know what the disease is from a medical standpoint it sort of all makes sense.

‘So it was important that we let them know what it is because, you know, I don’t want there to be any stigma or shame attached to their dad’s diagnosis, or for any form of dementia.’

When mother-of-two Hoda asked: ‘Does he know what’s going on? Is that something he’s aware of?’ Emma paused before responding: ‘Hard to know.’

As Emma composed herself, Emma Dickinson, who is the CEO of The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD), joined in and explained: ‘What we know is, obviously, the disease can start in the frontal or the temporal lobes like the name signifies.

‘One of the things that the frontal lobe controls is self-insight. We don’t know. Some people, that’s the first thing they lose, any understanding that they themselves have changed and other people retain that for a long time.’

Emma went on to explain how it felt coming to terms with Bruce’s diagnosis, and said: ‘I think it was the blessing and the curse. You know, to sort of finally understand what was happening so that I can be into the acceptance of what is.

‘It doesn’t make it any less painful, but just being in the acceptance and just being in the know of what happening to Bruce just makes it a little bit easier.

‘There is so many beautiful things happening in our lives. It is just really important for me to look up from the grief and the sadness so that I can see what is happening around us,’ Emma added. 

In a particularly touching moment, Hoda asked Emma what she thinks Bruce is teaching their girls as they all come to terms with his illness as a family.

‘Honestly, he is the gift that keeps on giving. Love, patience, resilience, so much…’ Emma said.

‘And he’s teaching me and our whole… I mean, you know, for me to be out here doing this, this is not my comfort zone, but this is the power of Bruce.’

Hoda continued: ‘I have heard from people that have an ailing family member, and I remember this from a friend of mine… she said, “my husband’s diagnosis made my kids better people”. Is that what you’re noticing?’

‘That is what I’m noticing,’ Emma replied. ‘Listen, I think my kids would be great no matter what! And this is not what I would want for them. But really, like I said, it is teaching them so much and how to care and love and it’s a beautiful thing amongst the sadness.’

She confirmed that she refers to herself as Bruce’s ‘care partner’ as opposed to his ‘caretaker’, and also noted the importance of taking care of herself as well.

‘It’s so important to ask for help and support. And you can look to organizations like the AFTD, like Hilarity For Charity… it is sort of a great starting point.

 

‘And it’s important for care partners to look after themselves so that they can be the best care, partner for the person that they’re caring for,’ she added.

Emma also has support from Bruce’s ex-wife Demi Moore and their three grown up daughters; Rumer, 35, Scout, 32, and 29-year-old Tallulah.

Backing The Boss… Michelle Obama shocks Bruce Springsteen followers as she takes to the stage with the legendary rocker in addition to Steven Spielberg’s spouse Kate Capshaw throughout live performance in Barcelona

By Caroline Graham

Revealed: 20:54 EDT, 29 April 2023 | Up to date: 21:42 EDT, 29 April 2023

Backing The Boss… Michelle Obama shocks Bruce Springsteen followers as she takes to the stage with the legendary rocker in addition to Steven Spielberg’s spouse Kate Capshaw throughout live performance in Barcelona

By Caroline Graham

Printed: 20:54 EDT, 29 April 2023 | Up to date: 21:42 EDT, 29 April 2023