**Bruce Willis Faces Decline in Communication Amid Dementia Battle, Director Glenn Gordon Caron Reveals**
In a recent interview with the New York Post, renowned director and longtime friend of Bruce Willis, Glenn Gordon Caron, opened up about the actor's ongoing battle with dementia. Caron, who worked with Willis on the hit series 'Moonlighting' that catapulted the actor to stardom in 1985, shared insights into Willis' current condition.
**Monthly Visits and Recognizable Moments**
Caron disclosed that he makes monthly visits to Willis since the actor's diagnosis earlier this year. Despite the challenges posed by dementia, Caron noted that during the initial moments of their interactions, Willis still recognizes him. "My sense is the first one to three minutes he knows who I am," Caron explained. However, he emphasized that Willis's verbal communication has significantly declined.
**Loss of Language Skills and Reading Habits**
The director reflected on Willis's past as a voracious reader, a facet of his personality he preferred to keep private. Caron lamented that Willis is no longer engaged in reading, and his once proficient language skills are no longer available to him. Despite these changes, Caron emphasized that Willis's essence as "Bruce" persists.
**Joie de Vivre Fades Away**
Describing the impact of frontotemporal dementia on Willis, Caron remarked, "When you're with him, you know that he's Bruce, and you're grateful that he's there, but the joie de vivre is gone." He highlighted that the vibrant and lively spirit that defined Willis has diminished due to the progression of the disease.
**A Shocking Transformation**
Caron expressed astonishment at the transformation brought about by frontotemporal dementia, particularly given Willis's previous exuberance for life. He reminisced about the actor's love for life and his eagerness to embrace each day fully. The revelation of Willis's battle with dementia came in February this year, less than a year after he ceased performing due to an aphasia diagnosis.
**Understanding Frontotemporal Dementia**
Frontotemporal dementia, as explained by the National Institute on Aging in the United States, is characterized by damage to neurons in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. This damage leads to changes in personality, behavior, and judgment. While individuals with this disorder may experience cognitive problems, their memory often remains relatively intact.
As Bruce Willis navigates this challenging journey, his friends, family, and fans are left to witness the evolving impact of frontotemporal dementia on a beloved Hollywood icon.