Emma Heming Willis has opened up about the heartbreaking moment her family learned actor Bruce Willis had frontotemporal dementia. In an interview with PEOPLE, Emma said that when a neurologist revealed the diagnosis, she felt numb, unable to absorb the words. The doctor’s explanation was drowned out by a rush of fear and physical symptoms as Emma’s ears “wafted” and pins and needles ran through her body.
Though relieved in some ways to have a diagnosis, Emma felt there was no cure and no support, leaving the family frightened and alone. “It’s not just happening to us,” she said, pointing to how many others face similar lonely journeys. She later found community and advocate support, which helped her cope. Emma’s new book shares her story as a caregiver and encourages others to seek early diagnosis and resources.
