Because of Bruce Willis, We Now Know 27k Idahoans Have Alzheimer'

BOISE, Idaho. On Thursday, Feb. 16, the family of 67-year-old Bruce Willis shared the actor had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. Also referred to as FTD, the condition is one his family describes as a "cruel disease that many of us have never heard of and can strike anyone." While the news is painful, Willis' family told the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration that it's "a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis."

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The heartbreaking news comes one year after the iconic action hero and former Sun Valley resident was diagnosed with aphasia, a disorder the Mayo Clinic defines "an umbrella term for a group of brain disorders that primarily affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain." Following the aphasia diagnosis, Rumer Willis, the actor's daughter, shared he would be retiring from his 42-year acting career in an Instagram post on Mar. 30, 2022.

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. As Bruce always says, 'Live it up' and together we plan to do just that. Love, Emma, Demi, Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel & Evelyn

Idahoans with Alzheimer's Disease

Because of Bruce Willis' diagnosis with frontotemporal degeneration, we now know Idaho is at war with Alzheimer's Disease. The Alzheimer's Association reports Alzheimer's disease has reached crisis in the Gem State. Data released in 2021 indicates 27,000 Idahoans aged 65+ are battling the insufferable brain disease.

Idaho Alzheimer's Facts

9.2% of Idahoans age 45+ suffer from cognitive decline
42,000 Idahoans are caregivers to loved ones with Alzheimer's
Idaho caregivers put in nearly 50 million hours of "unpaid care" for their loved ones each year
Unpaid Alzheimer's care is estimated at a value of $749 million
Alzheimer's costs Idaho's Medicaid program approximately $149 million each year

Resources & Support for Idahoans with Alzheimer's & Caregivers

Without question, Bruce Willis' battle with FTF has heightened public awareness of cognitive decline. If you're loved one is suffering from a form of Alzheimer's Disease and you need support, explore the links below.