Doctor breaks down challenges Bruce Willis could face with diagnosis of FTD

The family of Bruce Willis has announced that the actor is suffering from a form of dementia called frontotemporal dementia, or FTD for short. Dr. Jonathan Reiner joins CNN Tonight and discusses the condition. #CNN #News

[Praetor_Fenix]

Dementia is so awful, regardless of its cause. My mother had Alzheimer's and the dementia that goes along with it. Bruce's family is doing the compassionate thing by being there for him. My heart goes out to Burce, his family, friends, and fans. Make every effort to be around him the best way you can.

[MilkByCow]

Not big on celebrity worship but this Bruce Willis news hitting hard. Grew up watching him as this invincible action hero, it’s heartbreaking to hear about what he’s going through.

[evandegenfelder]

I'm so very sorry to hear this. My sister began forgetting things and acting a bit strange. She was diagnosed with 'dementia' but they never actually said what kind. My husband and I were her caregivers for as long as possible and during that time I did a lot of research about the different kinds and we both felt that "Frontotemporal" was likely what she had. So many of the symptoms and behaviors she exhibited. She went from fine one day to gone in four years. It was fast moving for her. It was awful to me; we were very close as sisters, her being 5 years older. She was always my protector. It was horrific and I feel very bad for the Willis family because my husband and I know EXACTLY what they're dealing with.

[sfeenfam]

Many times doctors don't know what causes frontotemporal dementia. Sometimes it's genetics or it could actually be a virus that attacks the brain. Our 27-year-old daughter was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia over two years ago. She recently started saying words again after being nonverbal for a few months. We found out she actually had brain inflammation from a virus and it caused an autoimmune response. For those who are told they or a loved one has frontotemporal dementia, please get a second opinion and a lumbar puncture to make sure it's not a virus or an autoimmune response from an ovarian teratoma. And never give up hope. There could be a cure right around the corner because medical science is advancing quickly. Praying for comfort and strength for Bruce and his family and all of those who are diagnosed with that terrible disease.

[marcuskuhnert]

It’s not just the patient that suffers from this disease but also the people around the patient, my father in law died in 2021 from this disease after suffering from it beginning in 2007 … he became aggressive and displayed strange behavior..

[Billy-bhtr]

I'm so sorry to hear this. Heart Breaking and for his family living this horrible thing Stay Strong.

[bkm]

So sad to hear Bruce has this challenging disease, I sincerely hope that he and his family can find away to support each other through this trying time. Bruce is a good human being and it seems so unfair anyone has to go through this. We need a cure!

[Whiskey.T.Foxtrot]

Oh jeez. I hope he receives the best of medical care.

The Long Goodbye is horrible.

[brocknspectre]

Oh my god! that’s a HORRIBLE diagnosis! I’m so sad to hear this!

[Ty-erok]

Man this sucks to hear. I'm 61 and have been dealing with chronic pain for years. I'd rather have that, lose my mobility, sense of sight or smell, then lose my intellect. Thankfully, it is not in my family, but I saw my step-grandfather go through Alzheimer's at a relatively young age and it was awful. He had been a brilliant, sharp-witted guy who by the time he was 70's was reduced to baby-talk.

Bruce is only 67 and also a brilliant sharp-witted guy. We've seen it for years. What a gut punch. At least he is blessed by a loving family and still-loving ex-wife. God bless all of them.

[lorriecarrel]

My first Willis movie I watched was The Fifth Element, makes me sad to see anyone have to go thru mental decline in such a way

[modern_memory]

Having a loved one with dementia is like a long wave goodbye

[chrispowers]

Should try cutting edge stem cell treatments to help repair damaged areas even if it has minor or no improvement. Still worth trying.

[triciagraham]

My mother had FTD. After diagnosis, we did a lot of research and worked closely with her neurologist to determine that she may have been experiencing symptoms since age 55. We wouldn't have known at the time because we had no family history. We simply attributed her behavior to change of life. Her care was very expensive and very difficult for my family. We struggled to find resources to help keep her at home and keep her care affordable. We went through many concoctions of medications to control her behavior and lessen her anxiety. This disease is horrible and takes a toll on caregivers and on finances. There should be more resources available because the probability of dementia is increasing.

[fontainerouge]

My uncle was diagnosed at 60, most likely late ("oh, he is just depressed"). Died 6 years later.
Terrible disease.

[Mackon.]

My mom just died from this. She suffered so much. Prayers for Bruce and family. 🙏 Miss you mom... 😢💔

[SledDog]

We pray for his family. We pray, if the time arrives that he needs a care facility, that no family member feels guilt for that decision.

We understand that part, sadly, from experience.

[richardhenry]

Its bad this type of Dementia for Bruce Willis. I pray for a fast passing as a blessing; not everyone can handle this, it can be overwhelming if you have done this you would understand. My mother with aphasia (word finding issues) Small blood vessel disease of the brain. I took care of her for over 10yrs I would say I was lucky. She was a tough Irish lady and was 86yrs old at her passing. I made a promise, no nursing homes. We had long term hospice to. She past away in her bed. We took her everywhere to enjoy life. If you don't have a constitutional like a n elephant in being a family care giver don't do it & get the help you need. I pray for all!

[chrispowers]

He had a good life. We should all be so lucky. He has family and hundreds of millions of dollars to help with his care. It’s sad but it’s the circle of life. The people with no one and no resources…. Those are the true sad stories.

[sunnyjohnson]

I’ve been binge watching on all of the “Die Hard” films.