Bruce Willis ‘Stepping Away’ from Acting Due to Condition Affecting Speech
Bruce Willis is “stepping away” from his acting career after being diagnosed with aphasia, a condition that impacts your ability to speak.
The news was shared via the Instagram of his daughter Rumer Willis. The joint statement comes via Bruce’s wife, Emma, his ex-wife, Demi Moore and all five of his daughters: Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel and Evelyn. The statement reads as follows:
“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.”
Per the Mayo Clinic, “Aphasia is a condition that robs you of the ability to communicate. It can affect your ability to speak, write and understand language, both verbal and written.”
The Mayo Clinic adds, “Aphasia typically occurs suddenly after a stroke or a head injury. But it can also come on gradually from a slow-growing brain tumor or a disease that causes progressive, permanent damage (degenerative). The severity of aphasia depends on a number of conditions, including the cause and the extent of the brain damage.”
The Mayo Clinic further notes, “Once the cause has been addressed, the main treatment for aphasia is speech and language therapy. The person with aphasia relearns and practices language skills and learns to use other ways to communicate. Family members often participate in the process, helping the person communicate.”