The recent diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in Bruce Willis has sparked interest in this rare condition.
In recognition of World Frontotemporal Dementia Awareness Week, Willis’ wife, Emma Heming Willis, and the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration’s CEO Susan Dickinson appeared on the “TODAY” show to discuss the actor’s health status and provide details about the disease.
In her interview, Dickinson, who is based in Pennsylvania, shed light on the challenges of diagnosing FTD, describing it as “one of the most confusing parts.”
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“Because it is less common, most doctors aren’t familiar with it,” she explained. “On average, it takes nearly four years for people to receive a proper diagnosis.”
Bruce Willis’ wife, Emma Heming Willis, opens up about the actor’s health and his disease. (Larry Busacca/VF14/WireImage)
According to Dickinson, misdiagnosis is common among FTD patients, who may be mistakenly diagnosed with bipolar disorder, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, or ALS.
Heming Willis emphasized that FTD differs from these other cognitive disorders by also impacting movement and speech.
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Dickinson highlighted the effects of FTD on behavior, personality, and executive functioning, which includes planning, goal-setting, self-control, following instructions, and staying focused amidst distractions, as described by Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child.
“Unexplained changes” in behavior and appearance can serve as indicators of FTD, according to the expert.
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Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
