NEWSBruce Willis' Daughter Rumer Willis Opens Up About the 'Different Version' of Her Dad She Misses Amid Dementia Battle: 'Some Days Are Hard'
Rumer Willis opened up about her father Bruce Willis' dementia battle.
Aug. 25 2026, Published 1:17 p.m. ET
Rumer Willis opened up about the emotional reality of watching her father, Bruce Willis, live with dementia.
"I really miss my dad. I miss a different version of who he was," Rumer said in a video posted to Instagram.
"There are some days that are just so hard. I try to prioritize being present with where he’s at now. The truth is, to be strong is learning to deal with both things at the same time," she continued.
The Pulp Fiction star was initially diagnosed with aphasia before announcing his retirement from acting in 2022. In February 2023, his family revealed that he had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.
Rumer Willis reflected on the emotional changes she experienced as her father faces dementia.
Rumer Willis Opens Up About Facing the Unknown
Rumer Willis spoke about missing a different version of her dad Bruce Willis.
Rumer has also taken steps to better understand her own health risks. She partnered with Health Membership Function, which offers more than 160 advanced lab tests, imaging, and specialized assessments.
As part of the process, Rumer took the APOE genetic test.
"I have a three-four, which is pretty average, but it also just means that there is some risk, but it’s not crazy," she said.
"Companies like Function empower you to put the information in your hands," Rumer added.
Rumer Willis Said Information Can Be Powerful
Rumer Willis discussed the challenges of navigating her father's dementia.
In an exclusive interview with People, Rumer opened up about the complicated emotions that came with learning more about her genetic background.
"It’s terrifying to get answers sometimes," she said.
"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," Rumer added.
"But I think when you have information, it’s power," she continued.
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Rumer Willis Explained Why Having Data Matters
Rumer Willis shared her thoughts on understanding her own genetic risks.
Having access to her health information has also helped Rumer feel more prepared when speaking with her provider.
"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," Rumer 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,'" she added with a laugh.
Rumer Willis Prioritizes Her Health
Rumer Willis spoke about prioritizing her brain, gut and reproductive health.
Rumer said her father’s diagnosis also made her more aware of the importance of staying proactive about her own health. She has made brain health, gut health, and reproductive health priorities, even before his diagnosis.
"I think health is one of those things that we take for granted until we don’t have it," she said.
"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," Rumer added.
