In a recent interview with Town & Country, Emma Heming Willis, wife of actor Bruce Willis, discussed her husband's frontotemporal dementia diagnosis, revealing that they first thought his worsening stuttering was simply a part of a condition that he had had since his youth.
Experts say that stuttering itself is not a symptom of FTD. However, the language difficulties associated with FTD can make it more difficult for a person to control their existing stuttering. People can also experience changes in personality, behavior, and motor functioning.
According to Stephanie Jeret, a speech-language pathologist, stuttering is not commonly associated with FTD. She explains that FTD mainly impacts people's ability to understand and use language. Jason Krellman, a Neuropsychologist and Assistant Professor of Neuropsychology, agrees with Jeret, stating that changes in personality, behavior, language, or motor functioning are usually seen early in the development of FTD.
Krellman emphasizes the importance of seeking an evaluation with a primary care provider if early warning signs of FTD are present in oneself or someone else, especially if they are worsening or negatively affecting daily functioning. He reassures that FTD is uncommon, and concerning symptoms are more likely due to normal aging or a more treatable condition.
Overall, the story of Bruce Willis' early warning signs of FTD being dismissed as stuttering highlights the complexity of diagnosing such conditions. It serves as a reminder to be vigilant about recognizing and addressing changes in cognitive and language abilities, as well as seeking professional evaluation when needed.