When Bruce Willis sheds light on a silent disease 

In 2023, the announcement of Bruce Willis diagnosis brought attention to a little-known condition: frontotemporal dementia (FTD). This neurodegenerative disease affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, causing behavioral, language, and personality changes. 

👉 Unlike Alzheimer’s, FTD often affects younger individuals, between 45 and 65 years old, and remains difficult to diagnose. 

📊 Key figures on FTD in France 

  • 15,000 to 20,000 people affected. 
  • 10 to 20% of early-onset dementias. 
  • Average age at diagnosis: 58 years. 
  • Average progression: 8 to 10 years. 

🔬 French research: leading experts at the forefront 

Prof. Florence Pasquier – CHU Lille 

A leading neurologist, she heads the CMRR in Lille and the National Reference Center for Young-Onset Alzheimer’s. She advocates for better recognition of early-onset dementias. 

FTD disrupts the very identity of patients. It is crucial to train professionals on its specifics and support families through this complex journey.

Dr. Isabelle Le Ber – Brain Institute (ICM), Paris 

A specialist in genetic forms of FTD, she studies mutations in GRN, MAPT, C9orf72 and participates in targeted therapy projects. 

Dr. Stéphane Bombois – CHU Lille 

A neuropsychology researcher, he develops differential diagnostic tools between FTD and Alzheimer’s and works on cognitive biomarkers. 

🧠 Latest breakthrough: imaging markers for earlier diagnosis 

In June 2025, a team from the Brain Institute led by Lara Migliaccio and Arabella Bouzigues published a major study in Molecular Psychiatry. Their goal: identify functional markers of FTD using functional MRI. 

🔍 Key findings: 

  • The organization of brain networks is deeply altered in FTD. 
  • These changes could help detect the disease earlier, track its progression, and target future treatments. 

This research paves the way for precision medicine for FTD patients. 

🧭 Measures implemented in France 

1. Specialized care 

  • Symptomatic treatments (mood stabilizers, speech therapy, cognitive rehab). 
  • Multidisciplinary teams: neurologists, psychologists, speech therapists, social workers. 

2. Expert centers 

3. Support for caregivers 

  • Training, support groups, respite solutions. 
  • Associations like France-DFT: listening, resources, guidance. 

4. Research and innovation 

  • Studies on blood and genetic biomarkers. 
  • Participation in European cohorts and clinical trials. 

✅ Conclusion: act now for tomorrow 

FTD is a complex and often misunderstood disease. Thanks to the commitment of French researchers and recent advances in brain imaging, the hope for earlier diagnosis and better support is becoming a reality.