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Bruce Willis has been seen for the first time since his wife opened up about his devastating frontotemporal dementia diagnosis.<\/p>\n
The Die Hard star stepped back from the spotlight in 2022 after it was revealed that he was battling aphasia, which impacts a person\u2019s cognitive abilities.<\/p>\n
His loved ones gave fans a \u2018painful\u2019 update on his health in February, sharing that he had since been diagnosed with FTD.<\/p>\n
On Monday, Emma Heming Willis appeared on the Today show to raise awareness for the condition, explaining that it is \u2018hard to know\u2019 whether the 61-year-old was aware of his illness.<\/p>\n
Following her emotional interview, new pictures have since emerged of the Hollywood icon on a rare, low-key outing in LA, joined by a pal.<\/p>\n
In the photos, he could be seen in the passenger seat of a car, dressed casually in a blue puffer jacket and navy hat.<\/p>\n
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Although his family, including ex-wife Demi Moore and their children, Rumer, Tallulah and Scout, often share snaps with Bruce on social media, this marks one of the few times he has been seen in public since news of his illness broke.<\/p>\n
They first spoke out over his illness last year, and updated fans in February, confirming that his health had worsened.<\/p>\n
\u2018We wanted to give you an update about our beloved husband, father and friend since we now have a deeper understanding of what he is experiencing,\u2019 his loved ones said in a joint statement on social media.<\/p>\n
\u2018Since we announced Bruce\u2019s diagnosis of aphasia in spring 2022, Bruce\u2019s condition has progressed and we now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia (known as FTD).<\/p>\n
\u2018Unfortunately, challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease Bruce faces. While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis.\u2019<\/p>\n
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Emma, who shares daughters Mabel and Evelyn with the Expendables actor, spoke to Hoda Kotb on yesterday\u2019s instalment of the Today show, in honor of World Frontotemporal Dementia Awareness week.<\/p>\n
Discussing how it has affected their extended family, she said: \u2018Dementia is hard. It\u2019s hard on the person diagnosed, it\u2019s also hard on the family. That is no different for Bruce, or myself, or our girls.<\/p>\n
\u2018When they say this is a family disease, it really is.<\/p>\n
\u2018I think it was the blessing and the curse, to finally understand what was happening, so I can be into the acceptances of what it is.\u2019<\/p>\n
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Touching on how she navigated telling their loved ones about his frontotemporal dementia symptoms, Emma,\u00a0who described herself as a \u2018care partner\u2019, continued: \u2018We\u2019re a very honest and open household.<\/p>\n
\u2018The most important thing was to be able to say what the disease was, explain what it is, because when you know when the disease is from a medical standpoint, it all makes sense.<\/p>\n
\u2018I don\u2019t want there to be any stigma or shame attached to their dad\u2019s diagnosis, or for any form of dementia.<\/p>\n
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\u2018There are so many beautiful things happening in our lives. It\u2019s really important for me to look up from the grief, and the sadness, so I can see what is happening around us. Bruce would really want us to be in the joy of what is. He would really want that for me, and our family.<\/p>\n
\u2018He\u2019s the gift that keeps on giving. Love, patience, resilience\u2026 For me to be out here, doing this, this is not my comfort zone. But this is the power of Bruce.\u2019<\/p>\n
However, in an emotional moment, Hoda questioned whether Bruce is \u2018aware\u2019 of his diagnosis, with Emma simply adding: \u2018It\u2019s hard to know.\u2019<\/p>\n