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    Bruce Willis clutches daughter Mabel, 12, and gives her tender kiss in heartbreaking birthday pic during dementia battle

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    BRUCE Willis has celebrated his daughter Mabel’s 12th birthday with a sweet hug and kiss in a new photo as he continues to battle dementia.The beloved actor was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in February 2023.Bruce Willis’ daughter Mabel celebrated her 12th birthday this weekCredit: Instagram/emmahemingwillisHis wife Emma shared a sweet photo of the actor hugging his little girlCredit: Instagram/ Emma Heming WillisBruce was diagnosed with dementia last yearCredit: Instagram/Mabel Ray WillisBut the disease hasn’t stopped Bruce, 69, from celebrating special moments with his family.The Sixth Sense star appeared in a new post made by his wife Emma Heming, 45, on Monday.The model shared a sweet tribute to the couple’s daughter Mabel who rang in her 12th birthday this week.The compilation included several different photos and videos of the pre-teen, wearing a brightly colored fedora hat, running on the beach, and more.Mabel smiled while submerged in a ball pit, made a silly face at the dinner table, blew out a candle from a bowl of birthday fruit, and sang in chorus with her classmates in the clips.Bruce’s daughter grinned for a photo on a sunny day and clicked her heels together while walking down Mainstreet at Walt Disney World.The little girl laughed and danced, ate a massive pastel cotton candy, and laid down on an art installment made to look like a mouth and tongue.In one sweet photo included by Emma, Mabel hugged her dad Bruce, who sweetly kissed his child on the forehead.Most read in CelebrityThe black and white image showed the father-daughter duo from the back, as he wore a checkered shirt, jeans, and a fedora of his own.Meanwhile, the pre-teen sported a small t-shirt and denim overalls as she enjoyed quality time with her dad.Bruce Willis clutches onto Demi Moore in new rare pic in birthday tribute shared by actress during his dementia battleEmma added a shot of her cuddling with Mabel and her other daughter she shares with Bruce, Evelyn, 9.Another clip showed the birthday girl trying on fashion-forward glasses while wearing a pleated skirt and a Delaware t-shirt.The actor’s daughter threw up a peace sign to the camera before the video closed out.Emma captioned her post, “All that is you, Mabel Ray. Happy 12th Birthday. Keep shining bright.”FAN SUPPORTFans flooded the comments with well wishes for the soon-to-be teenager on her milestone birthday.”One year away from a teenager,” one reminded.”They grow so fast! Happy 12th birthday Mabel!!” a second gushed.”Happy 12th birthday to the sweetest girl!!! We adore you!!!!” a third agreed.”Happy Happy Birthday to this beautiful girl!! You can totally see that she has that beautiful, carefree spirit and fun loving vibe from both of you. “May she have another wonderful journey around the sun and many more to come! And that last clip with the peace out is just the best!” a fourth penned.”Happy sweet 12 years. Your resemblance to your mother is wonderful and your father’s sparkling humor also appears. May life bring you countless joys,” a fifth agreed.BRUCE’S BATTLEBruce has five daughters in total, Mabel and Evelyn from his current marriage to Emma, and three with his ex-wife Demi Moore, 60.Demi and her ex share Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah, all of whom have now launched their own careers in acting.The Die Hard star was forced to retire from acting in 2022 after he was diagnosed with aphasia.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe condition results in the inability to comprehend or formulate language due to damage in parts of the brain.Luckily, Bruce has been supported by his wife and family throughout his health journey.Bruce was previously married to Demi MooreCredit: Instagram/Demi MooreHis entire family has offered their support throughout his health strugglesCredit: Instagram/rumerwillis More

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      Bruce Willis kisses wife Emma Heming in rare anniversary pic as she posts about ‘sorrow’ during his dementia battle

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      EMMA Heming has given an intimate glimpse into her relationship with Bruce Willis.The model shared a sweet selfie with the actor on Instagram on Thursday as she celebrated 15 years of marriage.Emma Heming (left) shared the sweet pic as she celebrated her ‘strong union’ with husband Bruce Willis (right)Credit: Instagram/emmahemingwillisThe pair, pictured in 2019, have been married since 2009Credit: gettyIn the post, Emma, 45, captured a romantic moment with her husband Bruce, 69.The shot showed Emma smiling at the camera, while film star Bruce leaned in to share a kiss.Emma also shared a long caption with the photo, praising her husband and alluding to his battle with dementia.”Today marks our 15th wedding anniversary! And today, I can make a choice. I can wallow in sorrow or I can celebrate it. I call this the ‘remarkable reframe.’ What I know is there is so much to celebrate,” she wrote.Describing her relationship with the Pulp Fiction star, Emma described, “Our union and connection is probably stronger than ever. We have two bright, fun and healthy daughters. We have a family unit that is built on mutual respect and admiration. “And simply, I just love and adore the man I married. I’m so proud of what we have and continue to create. So, happy crystal anniversary to us!”In the comment section, one fan wished, “Happy Anniversary! Keep letting love be a healer.””Your positivity and gratitude are inspiring. Happy anniversary to you both,” wrote a second social media user.Most read in CelebrityIn February 2023, it was announced that Bruce had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, the most common form of dementia in people under 60.Symptoms include personality changes, obsessive behavior, and speaking difficulties.Bruce Willis clutches onto Demi Moore in new rare pic in birthday tribute shared by actress during his dementia battleFAMILY FIRSTBruce has five children: two from his current marriage to Emma, and three with his ex-wife Demi Moore, 60.His three children with Demi, named Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah, have all gone on to have careers in acting, much like their parents.His two children with Emma are Mabel, 11, and Evelyn, 9.Bruce retired from acting in 2022 after being diagnosed with aphasia – the inability to comprehend or formulate language due to damage in parts of the brain – and has been supported by his family throughout his health journey.When you’re with him you know that he’s Bruce and you’re grateful that he’s there, but the joie de vivre is gone.Glenn Gordon Caron, DirectorHEARTBREAKING STRUGGLEWriter and director Glenn Gordon Caron, who gave Bruce his big break in the ’80s sitcom Moonlighting, recently revealed heartbreaking details of the Die Hard legend’s current condition.”My sense is the first one to three minutes he knows who I am. He’s not totally verbal; he used to be a voracious reader – he didn’t want anyone to know that – and he’s not reading now,” he told Page Six.”All those language skills are no longer available to him, and yet he’s still Bruce.”When you’re with him you know that he’s Bruce and you’re grateful that he’s there, but the joie de vivre is gone.”BRUCE’S BIRTHDAYBruce’s anniversary came just days after he celebrated his 69th birthday.For the big day, many of his family members shared touching posts about the star.His ex-wife, Demi, shared a photo of them cuddling up on a couch while chatting, and gushed, “Happy birthday, BW! We love you and are so grateful for you.”READ MORE SUN STORIESShe also added a shot of Bruce and their first granddaughter, Louetta, born to Rumer in April 2023.Rumer herself posted several images from over the years with her dad, and proclaimed him “the greatest papa.”The model also gushed over the family, with the duo sharing two children while Bruce also shared three with ex-wife Demi MooreCredit: instagramBruce was diagnosed with dementia in 2023, and his blended family has shown unity and supportCredit: Instagram/rumerwillisThe legendary actor turned 69 this week, and was flooded with tributes from his loved ones, including his ex-wifeCredit: Instagram/Demi Moore More

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      Bruce Willis health update: How is the actor doing?

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      BRUCE Willis is regarded as one of the most iconic actors of all time.The movie star announced his retirement from acting following a devastating dementia diagnosis.Bruce Willis is seen here in 2024 with his ex-wife Demi Moore.Credit: InstagramHow is Bruce Willis doing?On March 19, 2024, Bruce Willis appeared in a sweet picture with his ex-wife Demi Moore, celebrating his 69th birthday.Fans have been keen to know how the actor is doing, as he battles dementia.In the pic, the Die Hard star was sitting in his living room in a plush grey recliner as his ex-wife sat on the arm of the chair. Bruce had his arm wrapped around Demi and his hand was firmly gripping her upper arm as they stared intently at each other. READ MORE ON BRUCE WILLISIn return, she put her hand over his and grabbed his arm with her other hand.The actress captioned the post: “Happy birthday, BW! We love you and are so grateful for you,” with a white heart emoji. She also included a photo of Bruce with his grandchild and a throwback photo of him with his daughters. The last update fans got about the Hollywood star was from his wife, Emma Heming in September 2023.Most read in CelebrityAppearing on The Today Show she talked about her husband’s condition and how he was doing.Emma said: “What I’m learning is that dementia is hard. It’s hard on the person diagnosed, it’s also hard on the family.Bruce Willis speaks for first time in new video 1 month after his dementia diagnosis at 68th birthday party with family”And that is no different for Bruce, or myself, or our girls. When they say this is a family disease, it really is.”She added that it’s “hard to know” if he knows what’s going on.Meanwhile, Demi also shared a video of him celebrating his 68th birthday in 2023.The clip showed his family blowing out the candles of his birthday cake.Our family wanted to start by expressing our deepest gratitude for the incredible outpouring of love, support, and wonderful stories we have all received since sharing Bruce’s original diagnosis.The Willis familyThe actor seemed in good spirits, and spoke on camera for the first time since his diagnosis, joining in as they sang happy birthday to him.What illness does Bruce Willis have?In 2022, Bruce retired from acting after being diagnosed with aphasia.Aphasia is the inability to comprehend or formulate language due to damage to areas of the brain.In February 2023, it was announced that Willis had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.The statement read: “Our family wanted to start by expressing our deepest gratitude for the incredible outpouring of love, support, and wonderful stories we have all received since sharing Bruce’s original diagnosis.”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).”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.”Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is the most common form of dementia in people under 60 and symptoms include personality changes, obsessive behavioru, and speaking difficulties.What are the main symptoms of dementia?Dementia symptoms vary depending on the cause. But common signs and symptoms include:

      memory loss.
      difficulty concentrating.
      finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks, such as getting confused over the correct change when shopping.
      struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word.
      being confused about time and place.
      mood changes

      Source: NHS

      Is Bruce Willis married and does he have any children?Bruce has been married to wife Emma Heming since 2009.He was famously married to actress Demi Moore from 1987 to 2000.Bruce has five children, two from his marriage to Emma and three with Demi.His three children with his first wife, named Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah, have all gone on to have careers in acting, much like their parents.His two children with Emma are Mabel, born in 2012, and Evelyn, born in 2014.Meanwhile in March 2024, his daughter Tallulah revealed she had been diagnosed with autism.READ MORE SUN STORIESAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the name for a range of similar conditions, including Asperger Syndrome, that affect a person’s social interaction, communication, interests and behaviour.People on the autism spectrum may, for example, be under or over-sensitive to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light or colours. More

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      Bruce Willis clutches onto Demi Moore in new rare pic in birthday tribute shared by actress during his dementia battle

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      BRUCE Willis has been spotted in a new photo with his ex-wife Demi Moore as she celebrated his 69th birthday. Bruce was diagnosed with aphasia in March 2022 which later turned into frontotemporal dementia.Demi Moore made a new post to honor her ex-husband’s birthdayCredit: GettyShe shared a photo of her with Bruce Willis sitting in a living roomCredit: Instagram/Demi MooreThe condition is said to cause personality changes, obsessive behavior, and speaking difficulties.Since then, his family – including Demi, 61 – has rallied around him with a ton of love and support. Bruce and Demi also share three adult daughters – Rumer, Tallulah, and Scout. For the actor’s birthday, Demi made a heartfelt Instagram post featuring a recent photo of the two of them. In the pic, the Die Hard star was sitting in his living room in a plush grey recliner as his ex-wife sat on the arm of the chair. He had his arm wrapped around Demi and his hand was firmly gripping her upper arm as they stared intently at each other. In return, she put her hand over his and grabbed his arm with her other hand.The actress captioned the post: “Happy birthday, BW! We love you and are so grateful for you,” with a white heart emoji. Most read in ShowbizShe also included a photo of Bruce with his grandchild and a throwback photo of him with his daughters. HEALTH UPDATEIn January, on an episode of Good Morning America, Demi updated Bruce’s fans about his health. She was speaking to George Stephanopoulos about her role as Ann Woodward in FX’s show Feud: Capote vs. The Swans.Demi Moore shares health update on Bruce Willis and reveals the ‘important’ advice she gives their kids about his diagnosisBut the spotlight quickly moved to Bruce as George asked for a quick update on the father of her children. She replied: “I think, given the circumstances, he’s doing very well. “What I’ll share is what I say to my children, which it’s important to just meet them where they’re at and not hold on to what isn’t, but what is.”Michael Strahan replied: “Our thoughts are with him and the whole family,”  as George thanked her for being there. GET READY TO TELL ALLWhile Demi makes appearances to discuss Bruce’s health, his current wife Emma Heming – who he married in 2009 – has revealed that she’s gotten no support after her husband’s diagnosis. In February, she revealed her plans to release a book about caregiving as she’s been Bruce’s active caregiver since he was diagnosed. She’s been talking to the publishing house Open Field about the release. The book plans to “offer a thoughtful, inspiring guide for those seeking support while navigating a loved one’s dementia.”In her newsletter, Emma said: “For many people, their first touch point about this disease is received in their doctor’s office.”She continued: “I think it’s very important how this information from doctor to patient and loved one is relayed.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Having resources and information readily available is imperative. I know between my experience and other care partners that I have spoken to; our stories are unfortunately similar.”She said she left her doctor’s office with almost no support or resources.She also shared a picture of Bruce with their granddaughterCredit: Instagram/Demi MooreDemi has given her children advice on how to deal with their father’s diagnosisCredit: Instagram/Demi MooreBruce Willis’ wife Emma Heming is writing a book about caregivingCredit: Instagram/emmahemingwillis More

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      Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson, 81, ‘suffering from dementia’ as team files for conservatorship weeks after wife’s death

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      BEACH Boys legend Brian Wilson is reportedly suffering from dementia.The heartbreaking news was revealed in a court filing on Thursday, which said the music icon, 81, was suffering from a “major neurocognitive disorder (such as dementia).”
      Brian Wilson has reportedly been diagnosed with dementia and his team has filed for a conservatorship
      This news comes just weeks after the music legend’s wife, Melinda Ledbetter, died at the age of 77Credit: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File
      Wilson was a co-founder of the band, Beach BoysCredit: Getty
      Wilson’s family later confirmed that two family representatives – LeeAnn Hard and Jean Sievers – will serve as his co-conservators.
      They said the decision was prompted by the death of Wilson’s wife, Melinda Ledbetter, who died at the age of 77 last month.
      “Following the passing of Brian’s beloved wife Melinda, after careful consideration and consultation among Brian, his seven children, Gloria Ramos and Brian’s doctors (and consistent with family processes put in place by Brian and Melinda), we are confirming that longtime Wilson family representatives LeeAnn Hard and Jean Sievers will serve as Brian’s co-conservators of the person,” they said in a statement on Instagram.
      “This decision was made to ensure that there will be no extreme changes to the household and Brian and the children living at home will be taken care of and remain in the home where they are cared for by Gloria Ramos and the wonderful team at the house who have been in place for many years helping take care of the family.

      “Brian will be able to enjoy all of his family and friends and continue to work on current projects as well as participate in any activities he chooses.”
      According to court documents obtained by The Blast on Thursday, Wilson is being treated for the disorder.
      The agent for his touring company and long time publicist was also reportedly listed on the filing.
      Wilson’s diagnosis comes as he prepares to launch new music next year.
      Most read in Celebrity
      In 1970, he began working on a country album with former Beach Boys manager Fred Vail who was on lead vocals.
      Jack Sonni dead at 68- Dire Straits’ ‘other guitarist’ dies as band pays tribute
      The project was shelved but the two musicians have since returned to it.
      It’s release is planned for 2025 and Wilson will be featured on guest vocals, according to Rolling Stone.
      When his wife passed in January, the star shared an emotional message about his wife of 28 years with his X, formerly know as Twitter followers.
      “My heart is broken. Melinda, my beloved wife of 28 years, passed away this morning,” he began.
      “Our five children and I are just in tears. We are lost. Melinda was more than my wife. She was my savior. She gave me the emotional security I needed to have a career.
      “She encouraged me to make the music that was closest to my heart. She was my anchor. She was everything for us. She was a force of nature and one of the strongest women you could come by.
      “She was not only a model, our father’s savior, and a mother, she was a woman empowered by her spirit with a mission to better everyone she touched. We will miss her but cherish everything she has taught us.”
      “How to take care of the person next to you without expecting anything in return, how to find beauty in the darkest of places, and how to live life as your truest self with honesty and pride. We love you mom. Give Grandma Rose and Pa our love,” he concluded his thread.
      What are the signs and symptoms of dementia? Different types of dementia affect people in various ways, and not everyone will experience the same signs.
      However early signs before a diagnosis can include:

      Memory loss
      Difficulty concentrating
      Finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks, such as getting confused over the correct change when shopping
      Struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word
      Being confused about time and place
      Mood changes

      Source: The NHS More

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      Bruce Willis’ wife Emma breaks down in tears as she marks wedding anniversary amid dementia battle

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      BRUCE Willis’ wife Emma breaks down in tears as she marks wedding anniversary amid dementia battleThe model posted a duo of sweet images of the pair on Instagram as they enjoyed their time together as she cares for him at home.
      Bruce Willis’ wife shared intimate images on social media as she celebrated the important milestoneCredit: Instagram / @emmahemingwillis
      She is currently caring for her husband who suffers from frontotemporal dementiaCredit: Instagram / @emmahemingwillis
      Bruce, 68, and Emma, 45, were pictured standing on a path in what looks like an orchard, dressed in casual summer clothing.
      In one snap, she could be seen planting a kiss on the Glass actor’s cheek as he gazed into the distance.
      In the second snap he wore an oversized khaki shirt as he was hugged by his beaming wife.
      She captioned the post: 16 years with this special man. My love and adoration for him only grows 🤍
      READ MORE ON BRUCE WILLIS
      Recently, the star uploaded a video onto her stories where she said that she was on the phone to a ‘really dear girlfriend’, where she admitted she broke down in tears.
      She admitted: “It is really important to be able to have someone that you can trust with your feelings instead of just bottling them up and putting your best foot forward and just soldiering through stuff.
      “Which I have a tendency to do, holidays and anniversaries are hard.”
      Emma added: “But for me this year it has really been about community, building a connection.
      Most read in Film
      “And I just want to say it has been my lifeline and I just want to say thank you for that.
      His whole family – which includes his ex-wife Demi Moore – are rallying round Bruce to help with his care.
      The actor’s daughter Rumer, 34, previously revealed the news that Bruce was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (known as FTD).
      In the post on social media, she explained that his condition was sadly “not treatable” and “has progressed.”
      “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).
      “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.”

      Rumer previously revealed the full diagnosis of her father’s condition on social mediaCredit: Getty
      His family are rallying round the actor which includes his ex-wife Demi MooreCredit: Refer to Caption More

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      Vicky McClure receives MBE from the King at Windsor for ‘breaking barriers’ with her charity work around dementia

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      LINE of Duty star Vicky McClure cops an MBE from King Charles after “breaking barriers” with her charity work around dementia.The actress, 40, who played detective Kate Fleming on the hit BBC show, said it was “surreal” to get the gong at Windsor Castle yesterday.
      Vicky McClure received an MBE from King Charles at Windsor CastleCredit: PA
      The Line of Duty star, 40, ‘broke barriers’ with her charity work around dementiaCredit: PA
      She revealed the King asked about her acting work during a “really nice, pleasant chat”.
      Vicky founded Our Dementia Choir in 2019 after her late grandmother Iris was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and found comfort in music.
      The group has gone on to perform around the country.
      The actress said: “We played at the O2 this year, we played at the Cavern Club, here, there and everywhere – they are a very, very busy choir of people that are living with dementia.
      READ MORE IN SHOWBIZ
      “It is making a lot of noise and helping people realise that they shouldn’t feel so scared, because they are looking at these people and they are living well and thriving.
      “People still have lives and still have things they want to achieve, and that’s what the choir are all about.”
      She added: “It runs in my family on both sides and it’s something that’s very close to my heart.”
      Vicky McClure played detective Kate Fleming on the hit BBC showCredit: Instagram More

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      Bruce Willis’ wife Emma Heming ‘struggles with guilt’ over his dementia battle but shares how family has ‘found hope’

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      BRUCE Willis’ wife, Emma Heming, has admitted she ‘struggles with guilt’ over his dementia battle.The British model wrote a piece for Maria Shiver’s Sunday Paper and revealed all about her family life after Bruce’s diagnosis.
      Bruce Willis’ wife Emma Heming has admitted she ‘struggles with guilt’ over his dementia battleCredit: Refer to Caption
      Emma revealed all about her family’s life since the diagnosisCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Emma, 45, said she felt guilt due to her ability to be able to leave Bruce, 68, and go for a hike when other care providers could not.
      She wrote: “I struggle with guilt, knowing that I have resources that others don’t.
      “When I’m able to get out for a hike to clear my head, it’s not lost on me that not all care partners can do that.”
      She continued: “When what I share about our family’s journey gets press attention, I know that there are many thousands of untold, unheard stories, each of them deserving of compassion and concern.”

      Bruce was first diagnosed with Aphasia in March 2022 after he noticed problems with his speech ability.
      The movie star then announced his retirement from acting.
      Earlier this year, the family announced that Bruce was suffering from frontotemporal dementia after his condition progressed.
      She admitted: “I have so much more hope today than I did after Bruce was first diagnosed. I understand this disease more now, and I’m now connected to an incredible community of support.”
      Most read in Celebrity
      Emma has since been raising awareness: “I have hope in having found a new purpose—admittedly one I never would have gone looking for—using the spotlight to help and empower others.
      “I see that what I share matters to others who may be struggling, and in a small way makes them feel seen and understood.”
      She concluded: “I want people to know that when I hear from another family affected by FTD, I hear our family’s same story of grief, loss, and immense sadness echoed in theirs.”
      The couple married in 2009 and have two daughters together – Mabel, 11, and Evelyn, 9.
      Bruce also has 3 other daughters with ex Demi Moore, Rumer, 34, Scout, 31, and Tallulah, 29.
      BRAVE BRUCE
      Bruce was recently spotted in a rare public appearance before his wife made her comments.
      He was pictured taking a cruise around Studio City in California in a black Range Rover.
      The actor appeared to remain in the car during the outing but kept the windows open to enjoy the sunny weather.
      Bruce was driven by a member of security, who sat at the wheel during the slow drive.
      Read More on The Sun
      The Pulp Fiction star sat up front next to his security guard but seemed to remain silent during the drive.
      Bruce wore a casual black outfit and appeared to be frowning as he looked around at the sights he passed by.
      Bruce pictured with his daughter TallulahCredit: Instagram/@buuski
      The actor made a rare public appearance recentlyCredit: Instagram/@demimoore
      The star struggles to communicate as his speech broke down due to his conditionCredit: Getty More

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      A New Study Shows That Nightmares Are A Good Predictor Of Future Dementia

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      We spend a third of our lives asleep. And a quarter of our time asleep is spent dreaming. So, for the average person alive in 2022, with a life expectancy of around 73, that clocks in at just over six years of dreaming.

      Yet, given the central role that dreaming plays in our lives, we still know so little about why we dream, how the brain creates dreams, and importantly, what the significance of our dreams might be for our health – especially the health of our brains.

      My latest study, published in The Lancet’s eClinicalMedicine journal, shows that our dreams can reveal a surprising amount of information about our brain health. More specifically, it shows that having frequent bad dreams and nightmares (bad dreams that make you wake up) during middle or older age, may be linked with an increased risk of developing dementia.

      In the study, I analysed data from three large US studies of health and ageing. These included over 600 people aged between 35 and 64, and 2,600 people aged 79 and older.

      All the participants were dementia-free at the start of the study and were followed for an average of nine years for the middle-aged group and five years for the older participants.

      At the beginning of the study (2002-12), the participants completed a range of questionnaires, including one which asked about how often they experienced bad dreams and nightmares.

      I analysed the data to find out whether participants with a higher frequency of nightmares at the beginning of the study were more likely to go on to experience cognitive decline (a fast decline in memory and thinking skills over time) and be diagnosed with dementia.

      READ MORE: 7 Brain Cancer Symptoms Every Woman Should Know About

      Weekly nightmares

      I found that middle-aged participants who experienced nightmares every week, were four times more likely to experience cognitive decline (a precursor to dementia) over the following decade, while the older participants were twice as likely to be diagnosed with dementia.

      Interestingly, the connection between nightmares and future dementia was much stronger for men than for women. For example, older men who had nightmares every week were five times more likely to develop dementia compared with older men reporting no bad dreams. In women, however, the increase in risk was only 41%. I found a very similar pattern in the middle-aged group.

      Overall, these results suggest frequent nightmares may be one of the earliest signs of dementia, which can precede the development of memory and thinking problems by several years or even decades – especially in men.

      Alternatively, it is also possible that having regular bad dreams and nightmares might even be a cause of dementia.

      Given the nature of this study, it is not possible to be certain which of these theories is correct (though I suspect it is the former). However, regardless of which theory turns out to be true – the major implication of the study remains the same, that is, that having regular bad dreams and nightmares during middle and older age may be linked to an increased risk of developing dementia later in life.

      READ MORE: Are Your Drinking Habits Ruining Your Brain Health?

      The good news is that recurring nightmares are treatable. And the first-line medical treatment for nightmares has already been shown to decrease the build-up of abnormal proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease. There have also been case reports showing improvements in memory and thinking skills after treating nightmares.

      These findings suggest that treating nightmares might help to slow cognitive decline and to prevent dementia from developing in some people. This will be an important avenue to explore in future research.

      The next steps for my research will include investigating whether nightmares in young people might also be linked to increased dementia risk. This could help to determine whether nightmares cause dementia, or whether they are simply an early sign in some people. I also plan to investigate whether other dream characteristics, such as how often we remember our dreams and how vivid they are, might also help to determine how likely people are to develop dementia in the future.

      This research might not only help to shed light on the relationship between dementia and dreaming, and provide new opportunities for earlier diagnoses – and possibly earlier interventions – but it may also shed new light on the nature and function of the mysterious phenomenon that we call dreaming.

      This article is taken from The Conversation, where it’s been published under a Creative Commons license.

      READ MORE: What Really Happens To Your Body (And Brain) On A Detox Diet?

      Abidemi Otaiku

      NIHR Academic Clinical Fellow in Neurology, University of Birmingham More