Los Angeles, – The family of iconic actor Bruce Willis has revealed plans to donate his brain to scientific research following his eventual passing, in a bid to advance understanding of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), the progressive neurodegenerative disease he has been battling.
Willis, 70, best known for his roles in blockbuster films such as Die Hard, Pulp Fiction, and The Sixth Sense, retired from acting in 2022 after an initial diagnosis of aphasia, which later progressed to FTD in 2023. The condition affects language, behavior, and personality, and currently has no cure.
In her recently published memoir, The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path, Willis’ wife, Emma Heming Willis, shared the family’s heartfelt decision. She described it as “emotionally difficult but scientifically necessary,” emphasizing that studying his brain could provide invaluable insights into abnormal proteins, genetic mutations, and structural changes associated with FTD.
“This is a sad but necessary step,” Heming Willis wrote, noting that the donation could help researchers develop better early diagnosis methods and potential treatments for others facing the disease.
The Willis family, including ex-wife Demi Moore and their five daughters—Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel, and Evelyn—has been open about the challenges of FTD. Recent updates indicate Willis is in stable health overall but requires 24-hour specialized care in a separate residence to maintain a calm environment suited to his needs.
Heming Willis has become a prominent advocate for dementia awareness and caregiver support, stressing the importance of transforming personal grief into contributions that benefit future patients. The family’s visibility has already helped spotlight FTD, a less common form of dementia that often strikes earlier in life than Alzheimer’s.
Researchers highlight that brain donations like this are critical for progress, as they allow direct examination of tissue changes not visible through scans alone.
Willis’ legacy extends beyond the screen, with his family’s choice underscoring a commitment to hope and healing amid an “unkind disease.” As Heming Willis has shared, there remains joy and connection in their lives, surrounded by love and support.