September 25, 2025

The Unexpected Journey - Emma Heming Willis on Caregiving for Bruce Willis

The Unexpected Journey - Emma Heming Willis on Caregiving for Bruce Willis

About This Episode

In this deeply moving episode of BrainStorm by UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, Emma Heming Willis shares her intimate journey as a caregiver to her husband Bruce Willis, who lives with frontotemporal dementia. Their conversation covers the progression from early warning signs to diagnosis and the complex decisions required in caregiving - including the heartbreaking but necessary choice to have Bruce live separately to better serve both his needs and their children's wellbeing.

Emma's candid discussion about reframing expectations, finding permission to ask for help, and discovering unexpected beauty amid profound loss offers hope and practical guidance for other caregivers. Her transformation of personal tragedy into advocacy through her book "The Unexpected Journey"  demonstrates how caregivers can find purpose and meaning while navigating one of life's most challenging experiences. You don’t want to miss this episode!

Produced by Susan Quirk and Amber Roniger

Support the show

BrainStorm wants to hear from you! Send us a text.

BrainStorm Feed

95

Women, Menopause, and Alzheimer's Risk: Breakthrough Research on Brain Health with Dr. Rachel Buckley (part 1)

Dr. Rachel Buckley of Mass General Hospital and Harvard Medical School discusses groundbreaking research revealing stark sex differences in Alzheimer's disease with BrainStorm host Meryl Comer.
LISTEN NOW
92

Navigating Alzheimer's Care: When to Seek Help and How to Stay in Control with Dr. Carolyn Clevenger

In this episode of BrainStorm by UsAgainstAlzheimer’s Dr. Carolyn Clevenger, Founder and Director of Emory's innovative Integrated Memory Care Clinic continues to explore the complex realities of Alzheimer's caregiving with host Meryl Comer.
LISTEN NOW
91

Managing Agitation in Dementia: Expert Insights on Integrated Care and Caregiver Support with Dr. Carolyn Clevenger (part 1)

In this episode of BrainStorm by UsAgainstAlzheimer's, host Meryl Comer explores the critical issue of agitation in dementia care with Dr. Carolyn Clevenger, Founder and Director of Emory's Integrated Memory Care Clinic.
LISTEN NOW