Bruce Willis seen for the first time since dementia diagnosis

Bruce Willis was spotted out in public for the first time since his family announced his frontotemporal dementia diagnosis, a condition that affects the front part of the brain, which is the center for planning and problem-solving, and also a part of the brain that deals with emotions.

The 67-year-old icon, who retired from his career following a 2022 aphasia diagnosis, a disorder that affects a person’s language abilities, went out to meet some friends for coffee in Santa Monica on Thursday. Bruce Willis was last seen in public in January when had lunch with friends in Los Angeles.

Willis dressed casually and comfortably, wearing a blue sweatshirt, black jogging pants, and a gray toque.

How does frontotemporal dementia affect the brain?

Frontotemporal dementia depletes the frontal brain lobes, and the person has a reduced ability to perform activities that require thinking and planning.

Their emotions may tend to heighten, and they could develop symptoms like alterations in personality, obsessive behavior, and difficulty communicating.

The Ladies of Willis Moore united in a statement

The “Ladies of Willis/Moor” made a joint statement on February 16 to share the sad news of the frontotemporal dementia diagnosis, which Rebel Willis posted to Instagram along with a photo of her father on the beach smiling peacefully.

Bruce Willis’ five daughters, their mother and Bruce Willis’ ex-wife and good friend, Demi Moore, and his wife, Emma Heming Willis all signed the statement, which is posted in full on the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration’s website.

“Since we announced Bruce’s diagnosis of aphasia in spring 2022, Bruce’s condition has progressed,” the ladies wrote. “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.”

“Today there are no treatments for the disease, a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead. 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.”

The statement elaborated that the family intends to utilize the challenges Bruce Willis and the family is going through, they believe good will come from it.

“Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately,” the statement continues. “We know in our hearts that – if he could today -- he would want to respond by bringing global attention and a connectedness with those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease and how it impacts so many individuals and their families.