Bruce Willis has dementia, his family has announced

Actor Bruce Willis has frontotemporal dementia, his family has announced.

In a statement on social media, they said it was a “relief to finally have a clear diagnosis”.

The 67-year-old was diagnosed with aphasia – which causes speech difficulties – in the spring of last year, but it improved and he was given a more specific diagnosis, the family said.

They expressed their “deep gratitude for the incredible outpouring of love”.

The family went on to say that frontotemporal dementia is the most common type of dementia in people under 60.

“Currently there are no treatments for the disease, a reality that we hope will change in the coming years,” the statement said.

Willis became a household name in the 1980s and 90s after starring in blockbuster films such as Die Hard, The Sixth Sense, Armageddon and Pulp Fiction.

He was also nominated for five Golden Globes – winning one for Moonlighting – and three Emmys, of which he won two.

But his family said last year that Willis would stop acting, because his aphasia affects his cognitive abilities.

The new statement on Thursday said they hope the media attention will raise awareness of the actor’s condition.

It said: “Bruce has always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important public and private issues.

“We know in our hearts that – if he could now – he would want to respond by bringing global attention and a connection to those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease and how it affects the many individuals and their families.”

The statement was signed by Willis’ family members including his wife Emma Heming – with whom he has two daughters – and his ex-wife Demi Moore and their three daughters.

US journalist Maria Shriver, a prominent campaigner for brain disease patient care and research, tweeted: “My heart goes out to Bruce Willis and his family, and also my gratitude to shine the much needed light on this disease.

“If people step forward it helps us all. When people get a diagnosis it’s very difficult, but also for many it’s a relief to get a diagnosis.”

Aaron Paul, who stars in America’s Breaking Bad TV crime drama, said Willis was “a damn legend”, adding: “Love you so much my friend!”

US singer and actress Queen Latifah wrote in a post on Instagram: “God bless you my brother we love you!!! all the best. Thank you and your family for all the fun!!!”

Actress Selma Blair, who has multiple sclerosis, simply wrote: “Sending love.”

According to the UK NHS website, frontotemporal dementia is a “rare” form of the disease that causes problems in the sufferer with behavior and speech.

Symptoms also include slow or stiff movements, loss of bladder or bowel control – although this tends to be late – and muscle weakness.