Bruce Willis’ fans have been left alarmed after noticing the same thing in a rare video update.
The Die Hard star, 69, has been diagnosed with ‘untreatable’ frontotemporal dementia, and, ever since, he’s remained mostly out of the spotlight.
But Willis’ family have taken to social media to share a video of the actor and the clip has got the internet talking.
In a heartwarming Instagram video, the actor’s ex-wife Demi Moore, his current wife Emma, and daughters Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah gather around him and sing ‘Happy Birthday.’
And while some fans have been gushing over the incredibly moving moment captured on camera, others are saying it’s left them feeling concerned.
“This just breaks my heart,” a second writes.
Another pens: “It’s always difficult to see the physical decline of a person who was held in high esteem however the truth is no matter how rich and famous someone might be life is fleeting. Just serves as a reminder to treat each day as precious and to be grateful for what we do have. Praying for him and his family.”
“I noticed it too. But given that we know what he is going through, this seems to be the least of his worries. Glad to see him happy and surrounded by his family,” adds a fourth.
In 2022, Willis’ family confirmed that the star had been diagnosed with dementia.
In a lengthy statement, his family shared their ‘deepest gratitude for the incredible outpouring of love,’ while announcing that he has a rare form of the condition.
“Today there are no treatments for the disease, a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead,” they added.
According to Mayo Clinic, frontotemporal dementia is ‘an umbrella term for a group of brain diseases that mainly affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.’
It often begins between the ages of 40 and 65, but can also occur later in life.
Some people with frontotemporal dementia ‘become socially inappropriate and may be impulsive or emotionally indifferent. Others lose the ability to properly use language.’
It tends to develop slowly and gradually worsen over time.
Willis’ has been catapulted into the headlines after a video of him celebrating his 68th birthday last year resurfaced.
The actor appeared to be in good spirits as his family sang along to ‘Happy Birthday.’
In the clip shared by ex-wife Demi Moore, the Pulp Fiction star smiles, talks and makes hand gestures – while also appearing to be singing along to some of the words.
Moore, 61, captioned the heartwarming post: “Happy birthday, BW! So glad we could celebrate with you today.
“Love you and love our family. Thank you to everyone for the love and warm wishes — we all feel them.”
Many people are taking to the comments to point out that Willis appears to be missing a tooth in the footage.
One person questions: “Why is nobody wondering what happened to the front tooth of sir Bruce Willis?”
Another insists: “Bruce Willis is missing a tooth.”
While another asks: “What happened to his tooth?”
However, many people have taken to the comments to disapprove of those asking questions.
Outraged, one fan responds: “He’s 68 years old and going through dementia. What is he supposed to look like?”
In agreement, another says: “Get over it!”
According to Dementia UK, people with dementia may be more likely to experience tooth decay and gum disease.
This may be because they find it difficult to follow an oral hygiene routine, or they cannot express that they have a toothache, meaning problems go untreated.
The charity adds that a regular dentist may not be able to meet the treatment needs of a person with dementia.
This could be because they can’t consent to treatment, can’t communicate they are in pain, become resistant or distressed during treatment, or need extra assistance maintaining oral hygiene.
Willis’ daughter, Rumer, recently updated fans about her father’s condition.
On Instagram, she shared that he is doing well and expressed her love for him.
Emma Heming Willis, the star’s wife, has also spoken out.
She expressed frustration with misleading headlines suggesting that Willis’s life is devoid of joy, clarifying that he continues to experience ‘love, connection, joy, and happiness.’
She emphasized that, while there are, of course, challenges and grief, to tackle, their lives are still filled with meaningful moments.
Heming Willis urged for more accurate and compassionate reporting, highlighting that Willis’ family remains focused on positivity and connection.
