Bruce Willis Appears Confused In First Public Outing Since Dementia Diagnosis

Bruce Willis has been seen in public for the first time since his family shared a heartbreaking update on his health issues. The retired actor stepped out to grab coffee with two friends in Santa Monica, California on Thursday, March 2.

The 67-year-old looked physically fit during the outing, though he appears to be confused when they were about to get back to their car. In a video obtained by Daily Mail, one of the friends walked ahead to open the door of the car while another friend pointed to the direction of the car.

However, the “Unbreakable” star looks confused as he ignored his pal who tried to guide him into the vehicle. He continued marching forward to the direction of the paparazzi waiting outside the coffee shop. It apparently took him a few seconds to realize which one the right direction was.

Bruce dressed down in a blue sweater, black joggers and a woolen hat for the outing. He also wore a black watch while letting his friends carry the beverages they bought from the coffee shop.

Bruce’s family announced in March 2022 that he retired from acting after he was diagnosed with aphasia, a disorder typically caused by damage to the area of the brain that controls language expression and comprehension. At the time of his retirement, he had completed eleven films awaiting release.

Later in February of this year, his family revealed that his condition had progressed to frontotemporal dementia. “Since we announced Bruce’s diagnosis of aphasia in spring 2022, Bruce’s condition has progressed and we now have a more specific diagnosis, frontotemporal dementia (known as FTD),” read a joint statement from his five children, wife Emma Heming and ex-wife Demi Moore posted on The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration’s website.

“Unfortunately, challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease Bruce faces. While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis,” they explained. “FTD is a cruel disease that many of us have never heard of and can strike anyone.”

They added, “As Bruce’s condition advances, we hope that any media attention can be focused on shining a light on this disease that needs far more awareness and research. Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately.”