Rumer Willis talks 'terrifying' aspect of her father Bruce's dementia battle
Rumer Willis talks 'terrifying' aspect of her father Bruce's dementia battle
Ayeesha WalshMon, August 24, 2026 at 8:53 PM UTC
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Rumer Willis and her father, Bruce Willis -Credit:Instagram/rumerwillis
Rumer Willis has opened up about the “terrifying” side of her father Bruce Willis’ dementia battle, revealing why she is taking extra steps to protect her own health.
The 38-year-old actress, who is the eldest daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, has opened up about partnering with Function, a health membership offering more than 160 advanced lab tests, imaging services and specialist assessments.
Her father was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, and the diagnosis prompted Rumer to look more closely at her own potential risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. She was particularly interested in Function’s APOE genetic test, which can help determine a person’s genetic risk.
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She explained, “It’s terrifying to get answers sometimes. Obviously there are genetic things in my family. Not just dementia, I’ve had some family members who have had breast cancer and family members who have had different things.”
Rmer continued to People, “But I think when you have information, it’s power. And that sounds so, like, Spider-Man, but when we’re able to see, OK, maybe I’m more predisposed to this, you can just start actively working to reduce inflammation in your body, work on heart health, whatever it is. That’s why it’s been so amazing to be able to track a lot of those things with Function.”
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Rumer has addressed her health fears -Credit:Getty Images
The actress said having access to detailed health information also makes it easier to have productive conversations with her doctors. She said, “It also just feels like such an easy way to have information to share with your provider that says, ‘Hey, I actually have this data, so you can’t gaslight me about what’s happening.’”
Rumer admitted that looking after her brain, gut and reproductive health was already important to her before Bruce’s diagnosis.
She shared, “I think health is one of those things that we take for granted until we don’t have it. And I think that if you are taking small steps right now to be proactive about it, you might not have to have such a steep fall off the cliff as you get older.”
For Rumer, those small steps include taking supplements, avoiding perfumes and cooking more meals at home rather than worrying about potential microplastics from takeaway containers.
Emma Heming, Rumer Willis, Tallulah Willis, Bruce Willis and Scout Willis -Credit:Getty Images For Comedy Central
She explained, “They seem inane when we’re on Instagram scrolling and seeing all these things we should do, but it does make a difference. We are essentially under attack in this world that we live in. There’s just so many things that we’re constantly combating. And I don’t think it’s really an option anymore to not be proactive about it.”
Ultimately, the actress said her motivation goes beyond simply protecting her own health.
She concluded, “So that’s one of the most important things for me, that I know that the actions I’m taking have a difference not only on myself, but on my daughter and on my ability to be around for her as long as possible.”
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
