What is Aphasia and why has forced Bruce Willis to retire?
Actor Bruce Willis has announced his retirement after being diagnosed with Aphasia a degenerative brain disease that impacts one's ability to speak
American actor Bruce Willis has announced that he will be retiring from cinema after being diagnosed with aphasia, a brain disease that affects speech, writing and the ability express oneself.
The 67-year-old actor, known for his roles in Pulp Fiction and Sixth Sense, will be dearly missed on screen by his fans after a long and successful career. His daughter, Rumer Willis, took to social media to thank those who have long supporters her father explaining that Bruce "has been experiencing some health issues and has recently been diagnosed with aphasia, which is impacting his cognitive abilities."
"As a result of this and with much consideration" she wrote "Bruce is stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him." The family is asking for support and compassion and assured her followers that the family is moving together as a "strong unit"
The statement was signed by Willis' children and his current wife Emma and his ex-wife Demi Moore who he has continued to have a strong relationship with after their divorce.
What is aphasia?
According to Mayo Clinic, aphasia "typically occurs after a stroke" and leaves the brain damaged, making it more difficult for blood to reach parts of the brain responsible for language. The disease can be treated with neuro-rehabilitation, but it is irreversible and there is no cure.
Some of the most common symptoms or issues people with this condition face include speaking in short or incomplete sentences or speaking and not making sense. Those with aphasia have also been known to "substitute one word for another or one sound for another" and make other errors when speaking because of the damage to the brain.