23 December 2023 , 04:59
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Bruce Willis' rare dementia diagnosis has been explained by doctors who warn people to look out for four "subtle changes."
The Die Hard star, 68, was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) last year. Doctors have now revealed how this rare form of the disease differs from more well-known diagnoses like Alzheimer's Disease.
Doctor Karen Severson praised Bruce for going public with his condition, hoping it will "spur more research into the area." However, she noted that not everyone can afford the expensive scans needed for a quick diagnosis. She also mentioned that age stereotypes often block a diagnosis as FTD is usually found in people under 60.
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The Die Hard actor was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) last year (Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock)
Doctors explain symptoms to look our for in detecting dementia (instagram.com/scoutlaruewillis)Dr. Jim Jackson, a neuropsychologist and research professor at Vanderbilt Medical Centre, has highlighted some "subtle" changes to look out for in detecting dementia. He said: "Unlike the best-known form of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, which is typically characterised by early changes in memory, FTD is marked by early changes in behaviour - sometimes subtle but often dramatic."
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He listed four subtle symptoms, explaining that people with the condition might behave in "socially inappropriate and even antisocial ways" and may "display striking apathy or disinterest in things". He added: "[People] may demonstrate clear impairments in judgment, and may experience problems in language - problems including diminished faculty with language, whether speaking or understanding."
Dementia can easily be mistaken for other conditions
A common symptom of the condition is change in personality (rumerwillis /Instagram)Dr. Jackson admitted that often the condition can go undetected as many symptoms resemble those of other conditions, like depression. His views were supported by dementia and brain health specialist, Dr. Heather Sandison. The founder of Marama stated: "The earliest signs are typically changes in personality. This makes it hard to spot and sometimes is misdiagnosed as a psychological disorder."
She explained that men aged 45 to 65 with a family history of FTD or ALS are most at risk of FTD. She then shared how to help detect the condition: "The best way to care for your brain at any stage is to do all you can to optimize the known modifiable risk factors for dementia."
The expert explained that there is so much we do have control over when it comes to aging in a healthy way. She explained that this includes managing blood sugar, maintaining healthy blood pressure, avoiding processed foods, avoid smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding alcohol, engaging in cognitive activity, avoiding traumatic brain injuries, treating depression, treating hearing loss, treating sleep disorders, engaging socially, and avoiding air pollution.
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