Model Emma Heming has opened up about her initial reaction upon learning about her husband, Bruce Willis’, battle with dementia.

Emma has been providing care for the actor since he was diagnosed with aphasia in March 2022, a condition that impacts a person’s language processing and communication abilities.

In February, Bruce Willis’ diagnosis took a turn for the worse as he was diagnosed with Frontotemporal dementia, a condition that can lead to slowed movement, stiffness, balance issues, and alterations in behavior or language.

During an episode of her “Make Time To Connect” YouTube series, Heming revealed, “I didn’t know where to go, what to look up, I’m looking things up and it’s freaking me out.”

She went on to explain that there wasn’t a wealth of information available about Frontotemporal dementia, but she found solace in the “Remember Me” podcast’s founders, Maria Kent Beers and Rachael Martinez.

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Emma stated, “I started listening, and I felt like, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m so grateful to hear other people’s stories.'”

Emma, who shares two daughters, Mabel and Evelyn, with the actor, expressed her appreciation for the caregivers who have been assisting Willis throughout his diagnosis.

She emphasized the unique challenges that Frontotemporal dementia presents, saying, “There’s nothing that levels the playing field like FTD.

And I have made some of the greatest connections with other care partners, people like you who just get it. There doesn’t have to be so much explanation.”

In a heartfelt message, she thanked those who have been a lifeline for her during this challenging time: “You guys have been so helpful to me. I want to say thank you.”

Emma Heming also touched on the emotional toll of dealing with dementia, acknowledging the difficulty of knowing whether her husband is aware of his condition and his declining health.

She stressed that dementia affects not only the individual diagnosed but also their family, emphasizing that it truly is a “family disease.”

Emma referred to herself as Willis’ “care partner” and expressed that understanding his diagnosis, though painful, was a necessary step towards acceptance.