Davis Brown
Emma Heming Willis, wife of beloved actor Bruce Willis, is drawing on her own experiences as a dementia caregiver to author an inspirational new book aimed at supporting others in similar positions. The currently untitled guide for caregivers is slated for release in 2025 through Maria Shriver’s publishing imprint.
Willis, 67, was diagnosed last year with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) after his family initially revealed he was suffering from aphasia. His condition has progressively worsened over the past two years, severely impacting his ability to communicate and function.
In a statement, Heming Willis said she hopes to impart critical knowledge and community that she wishes she had after her husband’s life-altering diagnosis.
“Dementia not only affects your loved one but can shake a whole family’s foundation, and self, if you allow it,” she said. “Identifying the right resources to educate and enlighten myself has been powerful and has allowed me the space to continue to move forward in the most positive way.”
Heming Willis aims for her book to provide much-needed support, guidance and hope for the millions of people thrust into caregiving roles, like she was. She envisions it being disseminated in doctors’ offices so new caregivers have an information lifeline when they leave with a dementia diagnosis for their loved one.
The book will feature Heming Willis’ personal stories and battles alongside input from experts in the medical field. It reportedly grew from her own shock at the lack of resources made available to her family after her husband was diagnosed with the degenerative, incurable brain disease.
“I want this to be the book I wish I had when I left that visit,” she stated. “I want this book to land in the hands of care partners, but especially new care partners, who have just received this life-changing news. They should know they are not alone and there is support, even hope.”
By openly sharing her journey with strength and vulnerability, Heming Willis is determined to shed more light on dementia and equip caregivers with knowledge to assist loved ones, while also taking care of themselves.
Publisher Maria Shriver praised her close friend’s efforts to support fellow caregivers, a often overlooked group. “Caregivers are unsung heroes in our society — they need guidance, support, knowledge, along with community and a roadmap,” Shriver said. “We will be giving them this with this new book.”
Heming Willis concurred that partnering with Shriver, a devoted advocate for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients and families, aligned perfectly with her aspirations for the book.
The upcoming guide comes on the heels of increased attention on Willis’ health struggles and journey since his family first announced his aphasia diagnosis last March. At the time, they said it was “impacting his cognitive abilities.”
Dementia experts and advocates are hopeful Heming Willis’ intimate book will boost awareness and understanding of the disease. As Willis’ family noted about FTD, “there are no treatments for the disease” presently. They expressed hope that shining a compassionate light on Bruce’s condition can “change in the years ahead.”
