NASCAR Hall of Famer Darrell Waltrip has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), the same disease suffered by Bruce Willis.
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Initially, Willis' family believed that he had Aphasia, a language disorder that affects how someone communicates. It can disrupt their ability to speak or write. This is also a symptom of FTD, which the Willis family later learned.
"Since we announced Bruce's diagnosis of aphasia in spring 2022, Bruce's condition has progressed and we now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia (known as FTD)," the family said in a 2023 statement.
"Unfortunately, challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease Bruce faces. While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis.
"FTD is a cruel disease that many of us have never heard of and can strike anyone. For people under 60, FTD is the most common form of dementia, and because getting the diagnosis can take years, FTD is likely much more prevalent than we know.
"Today there are no treatments for the disease, a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead. As Bruce's condition advances, we hope that any media attention can be focused on shining a light on this disease that needs far more awareness and research."
Since providing this update, Willis' wife has moved him into a one-story home separate from the family. He receives around-the-clock care as he continues living with FTD.
Willis's wife told Rolling Stone that she deemed this move to be necessary and that the longtime actor would "want that" for their daughters. She said that he would want their young daughters to live in a home tailored to their needs instead of his.
Waltrip, for comparison, has just stepped away from public life while his family released the statement about his diagnosis. They simply said that he had some minor, yet noticeable symptoms and that the disease will inevitably progress with time.
"Be assured, Darrell is happy and otherwise healthy — spending his time with his wife, Stevie, two daughters, and his three young grandchildren," the Waltrip family statement said in part.
"We are all grateful for your continued prayer, love and support! Boogity! Boogity! Boogity!"
