Demi Moore has opened up about her ex-husband Bruce Willis’ ongoing struggle with dementia. Moore and Willis, who were married from 1987 to 2000, share three daughters: Rumer, 36, Scout, 33, and Tallulah, 30. Despite their divorce over 20 years ago, the two have remained close, particularly following Willis’ dementia diagnosis last year.
Willis, 69, had been diagnosed with aphasia, a condition that impairs communication, a year prior to being diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. This form of dementia, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, can cause behavioral changes, apathy, speech difficulties, tremors, muscle spasms, and balance issues. Since the diagnosis, his family, including Moore, has provided updates on his condition.
At the 2024 Hamptons International Film Festival on October 13, Moore commented: “I’ve said this before. The disease is what the disease is, and I believe you have to deeply accept that.” She added that Willis is currently stable given his condition, according to PEOPLE.
Moore emphasized the importance of meeting people with dementia where they are, saying, “Holding onto the past is a losing game, but meeting them where they are brings great beauty and sweetness.” She mentioned visiting Willis just days before the festival, accompanied by their 18-month-old granddaughter, Louetta.
In addition to Moore, Willis’ wife Emma Hemming, 46, has been vocal about her role as his primary caregiver. Hemming, who shares two children with Willis, spoke last year about the importance of living life fully each day. In an Instagram video, she said, “I must make a conscious effort every single day to live the best life I can.
I do this for myself, for our two children, and for Bruce, who would want me to live no other way.” She stressed that taking care of oneself is essential in order to care for loved ones.