Bruce Willis’ declining health has changed how his family sees the future — and for his eldest daughter, that future now feels much more personal.
As she watches her father navigate a devastating illness, Rumer Willis is also confronting questions about what could lie ahead for her.
Her latest revelation offers a glimpse into the fears she’s facing while trying to make sense of what she’s already lost.
In 2022, the “Die Hard” star received an aphasia diagnosis, a language disorder caused by brain damage.
The very next year, his condition progressed to frontotemporal dementia, which is a progressive brain disorder.
Rumer has watched her father’s health change firsthand, forcing the family to navigate a new reality.
Now, she’s confronting a possibility that hits much closer to home.
In an Aug. 24 video, Rumer revealed that she partnered with Function, a health membership company, and took its APOE genetic test to learn whether she carries a genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
In the clip, which was posted to Function’s Instagram page, Rumer said her results came back “pretty average.”
She further explained, “It just means there is some risk, but it’s not crazy. Companies like Function empower you to put the information in your hands.”
Rumer also took a moment to open up about her father.
“I really miss my dad,” she said. “I miss a different version of who he was.”
She continued, “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.”
Rumer told people that “It’s terrifying to get answers sometimes.”
Like dementia, Rumer said breast cancer also runs in her family. Although it may be scary to learn about your status, Rumer says she finds power in learning about her health.
“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,” she said.
Rumer says using Function to track the data keeps the information readily available for her doctors.
“I think health is one of those things that we take for granted until we don’t have it,” she said. “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.”
Fans gave their support in the comments.
One person said, “Thank you for sharing such a hard part of your journey.”
Another person typed, “God bless you all. Honestly so sad but blessed he has a loving family to look after him and each other xx.”
A third commented, “Truly sorry about your dad, but appreciate how brave and transparent you and your family have been through this journey. Sharing is kindness.” A fourth person added, “A sad situation for all involved.”
Since stepping back from Hollywood, Bruce’s wife, Emma Heming Willis, has kept the public updated on his health.
Emma hasn’t always received a positive response from his fans or the public.
Bruce Willis Relocated to Special Care Home as Dementia Worsens, Separated from Family
— TaraBull (@TaraBull) August 28, 2025
He "would want that for our daughters," says wife Emma Willis. pic.twitter.com/7xJIqjcPdf
Last year, Emma revealed that the family moved Bruce into a nearby home to give him more specialized care.
She said the decision was difficult but believed it was best for their family. The new home gives Bruce access to full-time care.
Meanwhile, their daughters, Mabel Ray Willis, 14, and Evelyn Penn Willis, 12, can enjoy a somewhat normal life in their old home.
But critics complained that this was Emma’s way of pushing Bruce aside and forgetting about him. The two have been married since 2009.
Bruce was previously married to actress Demi Moore for 13 years. Together, they have three daughters: Rumer, Scout, 35, and Tallulah, 32.
