Bruce Willis announces retirement due to a health condition that impacts his speech
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Actor Bruce Willis' family have shared a collective update on his health and career via social media, announcing that the 67-year-old has sadly been diagnosed with a condition called aphasia which impacts on his ability to speak, write and read. It can be a result of different factors such as a brain injury, a stroke or dementia.
A statement was released by Bruce's daughters, Scout, Rumer and Tallulah, his wife Emma Hemming and his ex-wife Demi Moore – all of whom have thanked the movie star's fans for their support.
In full, the announcement reads: "To Bruce’s amazing supporters, as a family we wanted to share that our beloved Bruce has been experiencing some health issues and has recently been diagnosed with aphasia, which is impacting his cognitive abilities. As a result of this and with much consideration Bruce is stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him."
"This is a really challenging time for our family and we are so appreciative of your continued love, compassion and support. We are moving through this as a strong family unit, and wanted to bring his fans in because we know how much he means to you, as you do to him. As Bruce always says, "Live it up" and together we plan to do just that. Love, Emma, Demi, Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel, & Evelyn."
Scout followed up the statement with an Instagram Story thanking everybody for the love that they've already shown her family. "The exquisite outpouring of love that I am experiencing right now is just blowing me away. Thank you all for showing up with so much tenderness and stunning Love for my daddio and my whole family."
The NHS says that aphasia can be treated by speech and language therapy, with varying success depending on the cause of the condition. If aphasia is a result of a progressive condition, such as dementia, treatment will focus on "making the most of what people can still do and developing other ways of communicating to prepare for a time when speaking will be more difficult".
The NHS adds that "how successful treatment is differs from person to person" and that "most people with aphasia make some degree of recovery and some recover fully", particularly when it is the result of a one-off occurrence such as a stroke or injury. The cause of Bruce's aphasia has not been shared publicly.
Our thoughts are with Bruce and his loved ones as we send plenty of well wishes their way.
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