WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Bruce Willis is known for his acting roles in the Die Hard movies and The Sixth Sense, but sadly, his family has announced his acting career is overdue to a health condition.
Family members took to social media to share the 67-year-old would be stepping away from acting after recently being diagnosed with aphasia.
Aphasia is an impairment in language whether that be understanding or speaking, according to Dr. Lauren Peruski, a neurologist with Novant Health.
She said aphasia is usually a symptom of something much larger like a stroke or a brain tumor.
It is also a form of dementia.
Dr. Peruski said aphasia from strokes or brain tumors are common and usually treatable. However, primary progressive aphasia from dementia is rare and usually doesn't improve.
"Anytime you notice a sudden change or even a gradual change in someone's ability to communicate, that's a sign of a neurologic problem that needs to be addressed by a doctor," Dr. Peruski said.
Willis' family has not said what caused his aphasia, but we haven't seen the last of his acting. According to CBS, Willis has some projects expected to be released this year.
"It's very unfortunate but it does bring a lot of awareness to aphasia and this important neurologic symptom that can sometimes be overlooked or ignored by people that don't know this could be a serious neurological problem," Dr. Peruski said.
There is a support group for people in the Triad. Club Aphasia of the Triad, also known as CAT, is led by speech language pathology faculty members of UNC Greensboro.
They meet via Zoom on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. For more information click here.