Emma Heming Willis recently discussed the challenging decision she made following her husband Bruce Willis’ dementia diagnosis. The 47-year-old decided to relocate the 70-year-old actor to a separate residence where he could receive continuous professional care.
“It was one of the hardest decisions that I’ve had to make so far,” Emma stated in a televised interview with ABC News on August 26, 2025. She noted that Bruce would prioritize their daughters’ well-being over living in a home suited to his medical needs.
The family’s difficulties started in March 2022 when Bruce withdrew from acting due to an aphasia diagnosis, a condition impacting speech and language capabilities. In 2023, his diagnosis evolved to frontotemporal dementia, a disease currently without a cure.
This type of dementia affects the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes, leading to alterations in personality, language issues, and compulsive actions. For Willis, known for roles in “Die Hard” and “Pulp Fiction,” it has progressively impaired his communication abilities.
Emma shared with ABC News that although Bruce remains physically active and in good health, his cognitive functions are declining. The family has adapted by developing new ways to communicate with him.
Prior to his illness, Bruce enjoyed driving their daughters, Mabel, 13, and Evelyn, 11, to school. Emma recognized a problem when these school runs became less frequent, and she observed Bruce becoming more withdrawn.
The initial diagnosis left Emma feeling unprepared, leaving the doctor’s office with only a pamphlet and a directive to return in a few months.
Initially, Emma managed his care at home while striving for a normal environment for their children, but she eventually found that social activities exacerbated Bruce’s condition.
Emma decided against hosting playdates and sleepovers, unsure of other parents’ comfort levels. She acknowledged that this led to a period of isolation for the family.
Realizing the arrangement was unfair to their children, Emma chose to move Bruce to a separate, single-story house, where he could receive around-the-clock care.
Despite living apart, the family maintains close ties. Emma visits Bruce daily and shares meals with him, describing his new residence as a place of love and care.
Their daughters regularly spend time with Bruce, as do his three older daughters from his first marriage with Demi Moore: Rumer, 37, Scout, 34, and Tallulah, 31.
Emma mentioned that Bruce still recognizes her, lighting up when she enters the room, and shares a similar connection with his daughters, who frequently visit him.
Emma has turned her experience into an opportunity to assist other families, writing a book titled “The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path,” set for release in September.
The book originated from Emma’s frustration over the lack of guidance following Bruce’s diagnosis, aiming to provide support for other caregivers.
Emma also co-founded Make Time Wellness, a company dedicated to women’s brain health, and advocates for families dealing with dementia. She highlights that caring for someone with frontotemporal dementia can cost nearly $120,000 annually.
Through her advocacy, Emma underscores the shared emotions of sadness, grief, anger, and resentment among caregivers, fostering a connection among those in similar situations.
The Willis family’s experience mirrors that of many American families coping with dementia. Nearly seven million older Americans have Alzheimer’s, the most prevalent form of dementia, while frontotemporal dementia is among the most common types for those under 60.
Experts anticipate a tripling of global dementia cases by 2050, underscoring the importance of Emma’s advocacy and forthcoming book for future families facing similar challenges.
Bruce Willis concluded his extensive Hollywood career in 2022 as his condition advanced. He gained fame through roles in blockbuster films and TV series, including “Die Hard,” “Moonlighting,” “The Sixth Sense,” and “Pulp Fiction,” solidifying his status as a prominent action star.
