Caleb Qwofi Right
Bruce Willis’s family announced in March 2022 that he was diagnosed with aphasia, a language disorder that affects the ability to speak, write, and understand language. The disorder is caused by damage to the language centers of the brain, and it can occur after a stroke, head injury, or brain tumor.
In a recent interview, Willis’s wife, Emma Heming Willis, said that Willis is no longer able to communicate verbally. “He’s not totally verbal; he used to be a voracious reader — he didn’t want anyone to know that — and he’s not reading now. All those language skills are no longer available to him, and yet he’s still Bruce,” she said.
Heming Willis added that Willis is still able to communicate in other ways, such as through facial expressions and gestures. She also said that he is still able to understand what is being said to him, but he may have difficulty responding.
Aphasia can have a devastating impact on a person’s life, making it difficult to communicate with loved ones and participate in everyday activities. However, with the right support and treatment, many people with aphasia are able to make significant progress and improve their communication abilities.
What is aphasia?
Aphasia is a language disorder that affects the ability to speak, write, and understand language. It is caused by damage to the language centers of the brain, and it can occur after a stroke, head injury, or brain tumor.
Symptoms of aphasia
The symptoms of aphasia can vary depending on the severity of the brain damage. Some people with aphasia may have difficulty finding the right words to say, while others may have difficulty understanding what is being said to them. Some people may also have difficulty writing or reading.
Treatment for aphasia
There is no cure for aphasia, but there are treatments that can help people with the disorder improve their communication abilities. Treatment typically involves working with a speech-language pathologist to learn new ways to communicate.
Support for people with aphasia
There are a number of organizations that provide support to people with aphasia and their families. These organizations can provide information about aphasia, treatment options, and support groups.
If you or someone you know has aphasia, there are resources available to help. Please reach out to a speech-language pathologist or a support organization for more information.
