Rumer Willis is refusing to wait until a health crisis forces her to start asking difficult questions.
With her father, Bruce Willis, battling frontotemporal dementia and other serious illnesses appearing in her family history, the actress is embracing genetic testing despite admitting that discovering what could be hiding in her DNA can be frightening.
Now, the 38-year-old is explaining why she believes being proactive is no longer optional, even making the startling declaration that people are “essentially under attack” by the world around them.
For Rumer, knowing more about her health comes with an uncomfortable trade-off. Information could help her make better decisions about her future, but receiving that information can also mean confronting risks she would rather not have.
The actress recently partnered with health membership company Function, which provides access to advanced laboratory testing and other health assessments.
Among the options that attracted her attention was an APOE genetic test, which can provide information about a person’s genetic risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease. Her interest comes against the backdrop of her father’s ongoing battle with frontotemporal dementia, as well as other illnesses within her family.
“It’s terrifying to get answers sometimes,” Rumer admitted in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE. “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.”
Still, the mother-of-one believes fear should not prevent her from learning what she can.
“But I think when you have information, it’s power,” she explained.
Rumer said understanding whether she might be predisposed to certain health problems could allow her to begin addressing factors such as inflammation and heart health rather than waiting for something to go wrong.
Bruce Willis’ Dementia Battle Has Changed How His Daughter Looks At Health
Rumer’s determination to be proactive carries additional emotional weight because her family has already experienced how dramatically health can alter everyday life.
Bruce initially stepped away from acting in 2022 after his family announced that he had been diagnosed with aphasia. In February 2023, they revealed that his condition had progressed and that doctors had reached a more specific diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia.
Since then, Rumer has offered candid glimpses into what loving a parent with dementia looks like.
In November 2025, she acknowledged that describing her father as “doing great” no longer made sense within the reality of FTD. Instead, she said he was doing “OK in terms of somebody who is dealing with frontotemporal dementia.”
The changes have not erased their emotional connection. Rumer said she remained grateful that she could hug her father and believed that regardless of whether he recognized her in a particular moment, he could still “feel the love” she gave him.
Months later, she found another perspective on the painful situation. As The Blast previously reported, Rumer revealed that FTD had seemingly brought out a new “sweetness” and “tenderness” in Bruce, giving their family meaningful moments amid an otherwise devastating disease.
Rumer Willis Says ‘We Are Essentially Under Attack’
Genetic testing is only one piece of the actress’ increasingly proactive approach to wellness.
Rumer said she was already interested in brain, gut and reproductive health before Bruce’s diagnosis, but she now believes waiting until a medical problem appears can come at a cost.
“I think health is one of those things that we take for granted until we don’t have it,” she told PEOPLE.
For Rumer, being proactive does not necessarily mean making enormous changes all at once. She pointed to relatively small decisions she has incorporated into her life, including taking supplements, eliminating perfumes and cooking more food at home rather than relying on takeout containers.
The actress acknowledged that those choices can appear insignificant, particularly when social media constantly exposes people to an overwhelming stream of wellness advice.
However, she believes the cumulative effect matters. “We are essentially under attack in this world that we live in,” Rumer declared. “There’s just so many things that we’re constantly combating.”
She then made her position even clearer, saying, “I don’t think it’s really an option anymore to not be proactive about it.”
More From The Blast
- Rumer previously admitted the heartbreaking reality that Bruce is “not doing great” as he continues living with FTD.
- Bruce’s wife, Emma Heming Willis, recently shared a rare update on his condition while discussing the family’s efforts to support him.
- Rumer has previously explained why her family chose to remain transparent about Bruce’s health rather than completely retreat from public discussion.
Rumer Willis Wants To Protect Her Future With Daughter Louetta
Rumer’s motivation is not limited to what genetic testing might tell her about herself.
Motherhood has given the health conversation another dimension because she wants as much time as possible with her 3-year-old daughter, Louetta.
The “Dancing with the Stars” alum welcomed Louetta in April 2023 with her former partner Derek Richard Thomas, only months after her family publicly revealed Bruce’s FTD diagnosis.
Now, watching her father live with a progressive neurological condition while raising a daughter of her own appears to have sharpened Rumer’s focus on longevity.
She explained that one of the most important aspects of becoming proactive is knowing that the choices she makes could affect not just herself, but “my daughter and on my ability to be around for her as long as possible.”
That desire fits with how Rumer has described motherhood more broadly. She recently called Louetta “such a gift” while discussing how becoming a mother transformed her understanding of self-love, patience and personal strength.
It also creates an emotional generational connection with Bruce.
Earlier this year, Rumer spoke about how grateful she was that Louetta has been able to spend meaningful time with her grandfather despite his illness, acknowledging that future children she may have might not receive that same opportunity.
Bruce Willis’ Family Continues Turning His FTD Battle Into Advocacy
Rumer is not the only member of the Willis family whose experience with Bruce’s illness has prompted a larger conversation about health.
His wife, Emma Heming Willis, has increasingly turned her attention toward dementia awareness and caregiver advocacy while continuing to speak candidly about what the diagnosis has meant for their family.
Emma has also emphasized honesty with their daughters, Mabel and Evelyn, explaining that she learned to communicate with them about Bruce’s condition in an age-appropriate way rather than conceal what was happening.
The family has similarly supported research efforts surrounding the disease. Emma announced the Emma & Bruce Willis Fund in partnership with The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, with the initiative aimed at advancing research and raising awareness around FTD.
Research into the genetics of FTD remains complex. The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration notes that most cases are considered sporadic, meaning there is no clear single genetic cause, although some cases are familial and can involve inherited genetic variants.
