How Emma Heming Willis Connects with Bruce During His Battle with Dementia and Language Challenges

Emma Heming Willis has discovered new methods of connecting with her husband Bruce Willis following his frontotemporal dementia diagnosis.

In her book, The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path, Heming Willis, 49, discusses how the condition has influenced her husband’s ability to communicate. (The most common symptoms of FTD involve “difficulty with decision-making, movement, speaking, or language comprehension,” according to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration.)

“As Bruce can’t communicate with me (due to the variant of FTD he has, primary progressive aphasia), I have to make decisions on his behalf about everything. I can’t inquire about how he feels, what might be wrong, or if he’s in pain,” Heming Willis shared. “Instead, I interpret his body language or gaze into his eyes to gauge what he’s experiencing and what’s troubling him. I liken this to the instinct a parent has. With just one look at your child, you can immediately sense if something’s amiss. Likewise, with a glance at Bruce, I can discern whether he has neck pain or a headache.”

According to The Weill Institute for Neurosciences Memory and Aging Center, primary progressive aphasia “starts gradually, with speech or language issues that vary based on the affected brain regions.”

The source indicates that in some variants of this condition, “individuals may initially struggle to produce speech, while in others, difficulties with word-finding and comprehension are more prominent.”

In August, Heming Willis disclosed that Bruce was residing in a second home with a dedicated care team as he confronts his diagnosis. She defended their living situation both on Instagram and during her appearance on Good Morning America on September 9.

“It was a tough decision for us, but it was the safest and best option not just for Bruce but also for our two young daughters,” she explained during the interview. “And honestly, it’s really not open for discussion. Now I’m confident that Bruce receives the highest level of care at all times, and so do our daughters. So I’m not going to seek a vote on that.”

Heming Willis recently reflected on cherishing her time with Bruce and continuing their romantic journey.

“Bruce is very present in his body, and that’s something so beautiful and wonderful,” she shared with People on September 4. “He isn’t preoccupied with yesterday or anxious about tomorrow. He is very focused on today.”

She expressed a heartfelt sentiment: “Sometimes, love doesn’t require words. I can simply sit next to Bruce, and we can look at each other and share laughter and smiles, and that, to me, is more significant than anything.”

The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path is available now.