Bruce Willis Has Frontotemporal Dementia, His Family Announces
- Allie Tee
- Feb 17, 2023
- 3 min read
In a statement released by his family, it was revealed that actor Bruce Willis had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). FTD is a type of dementia characterized by a decrease in the number of nerve cells in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain and is known to be a devastating and cruel disease. Willis, who is 67 years old, had previously retired from acting due to his diagnosis of aphasia, which affects a person's ability to communicate effectively. The family's statement highlights the severity of FTD and the fact that it can strike anyone, emphasizing the need for greater awareness of this lesser-known form of dementia.
According to Dr. Bruce Miller, a neurology professor at the University of California in San Francisco, frontotemporal dementia (FTD) can be categorized into two primary variants: primary progressive aphasia, which impairs an individual's ability to communicate, and behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia, which is characterized by changes in behavior and personality. Dr. Miller explains that FTD affects the parts of the brain that make us fundamentally human, making it a severe disease.
Susan Dickinson, the chief executive of the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, has stated that FTD is the most common cause of dementia for individuals under the age of 60. In the United States, approximately 50,000 people have been diagnosed with FTD. However, many experts believe this number is significantly lower than the actual number of cases due to the difficulty of making an accurate diagnosis. There is no definitive blood test or biomarker that can be used to diagnose the condition, and doctors must instead rely on symptoms and neuroimaging to identify it. According to Ms. Dickinson, obtaining an accurate diagnosis can take over three years for patients.
What Are The First Signs Of Frontotemporal Dementia?
The early signs of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) can vary depending on the variant of the disease. Individuals with primary progressive aphasia may have difficulty communicating effectively, struggling to speak in complete sentences or understand conversations. They may also experience challenges in reading and writing.
On the other hand, for those with the behavioral variant of FTD, changes in behavior and personality may be more noticeable. Dr. Ian Grant, an assistant professor of neurology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, explains that patients may begin to act out of character, displaying a lack of filter. For example, a usually reserved individual may suddenly become outspoken, making inappropriate comments or using profanities. Some may also show a lack of empathy towards others or appear apathetic, losing motivation. These behavioral changes can cause concern and should prompt medical attention.
In addition to the symptoms mentioned earlier, people with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) may struggle with organizational skills and multitasking or planning. According to Dr. Joel Salinas, a clinical assistant professor of neurology at NYU Langone Health, FTD can also lead to impulsive behaviors such as excessive gambling or spending. These changes can have significant consequences for individuals and their families, and it's essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible if any concerning symptoms arise.
Dr. Ian Grant has described how the personality changes brought about by FTD can lead to poor judgment and erratic behavior, such as drinking an entire bottle of maple syrup, with patients craving instant gratification without any ability to control their impulses. These symptoms can sometimes lead to misdiagnosing a psychiatric condition such as bipolar disorder. However, there are ways to distinguish between FTD and psychiatric conditions. FTD usually affects people in their 50s and 60s,, and a new psychiatric illness without a history of mental health concerns is unusual, although not impossible. Additionally, a brain scan of someone with FTD can reveal atrophy or shrinking in the front of the brain, whereas a psychiatric illness is less likely to show such changes. It is essential to seek medical attention if there are any concerning symptoms.
What Causes Frontotemporal Dementia?
causes frontotemporal dementia (FTD)The degeneration of nerve cells in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain causes frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The specific cause of this degeneration is not yet fully understood, but it is thought to be related to genetic mutations in some cases. In some people, the condition may also be related to abnormal protein deposits in the brain. However, in many cases, the cause of FTD remains unknown. There is ongoing research to understand the underlying mechanisms of the disease better and to develop more effective treatments.
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