Bruce Wallace has been dealing with frontotemporal dementia for quite some time, but it wasn’t until 2022 that the announcement came in he was retiring from acting.
At first, they thought that Bruce Willis had aphasia but once the diagnosis for frontotemporal dementia came in, it was known that he was at a bad point. That neurological condition is irreversible and it tends to progress until the individual dies.
According to an insider, the disease has progressed and it has ‘ progressed to the point where his family worries they may not have much more time with Bruce left.’ They are also concerned that he will not live for another year, saying that he may not make it to his 70th birthday.
The family has really pulled together to care for him since the frontotemporal diagnosis got worse. They also trying to prioritize his safety to ensure that he is as comfortable and secure as possible.
The insider revealed: “He rarely goes out, but when he does it’s a carefully orchestrated operation. He needs help getting ready and getting to the car. Caretakers are there “24/7 who supervise him and make sure he’s OK and doesn’t get confused or flustered.”
The source feels it is heartbreaking that the family has to see him so vulnerable and dependent. They said: “It’s heartbreaking for the family to see him so vulnerable and dependent. The Bruce they remember used to be full of energy and masculine pride. Now he seems helpless.”
According to some reports, he is not ‘totally verbal’ and cannot recognize some people in his life at this point.