Bruce Willis’ Former Wife Demi Moore Reveals Actor’s Diagnosis with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)
Demi Moore, Bruce Willis’ former wife, announced on Instagram that Bruce Willis Diagnosis with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) (FTD). FTD is a rare type of dementia that usually appears earlier than other forms.
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What are the different types of dementia, and how are they diagnosed and treated?
Understanding Frontotemporal Dementia
Frontotemporal dementia is an umbrella term for two major types of dementia. One is the behavioral variant, where patients have a progressive change in personality and become disinhibited or apathetic, and have more trouble with problem-solving. The other is primary progressive aphasia, which is a primary progressive disease of language. Although both types have similar pathologies, the area of the brain affected differs.
Bruce Willis was diagnosed with aphasia in March 2022, and his family has now confirmed that he has progressed to frontotemporal dementia. The average life expectancy of patients with FTD is nine years from the first symptom and five years from the first diagnosis, as there is usually a delay in diagnosis.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for FTD, and treatment focuses on making the patient as comfortable as possible. This involves the collaboration of psychiatrists, speech therapists, neurologists, and other specialists.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, and doctors have made more promising developments in treating this condition. Two drugs, Aduhelm and Leqembi, were recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for their ability to clear amyloid plaques from the brain. These plaques, made of protein fragments, can cause problems with how the brain works.
Dr. Nicholas Milano, a neurologist who specializes in treating all types of dementia at the MUSC Health Memory Disorders Clinic, is particularly hopeful about Leqembi. Studies have shown that this medication can slow the progression of memory loss in patients.
It is essential to catch Alzheimer’s disease within the first year of symptoms to give patients the best chance of responding to treatment. Warning signs include forgetting whole conversations, repeating questions, and getting lost while driving.
Other Causes of Dementia
Although Alzheimer’s affects most patients, there are several other types of dementia, such as vascular dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies. All these degenerative diseases have a buildup of abnormal proteins in the brain, causing neurodegeneration.
Scientists are still trying to figure out why these proteins build up, but doctors already know several risk factors for dementia. Many of these are similar to cardiac risk factors, including vascular risks.
Wrapping Up
Bruce Willis’ diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment for all types of dementia.
While there is no cure for FTD, doctors, and specialists can work together to ensure the patient is as comfortable as possible. There is also promising news about the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, with new drugs approved by the FDA that can slow the progression of the disease.
Understanding the different types of dementia and their causes and symptoms is essential for people to seek medical help and receive the best possible care.
