Rumer Willis is taking a determined stance on her health, guided by a deeply personal motivation. The 38-year-old actress and the eldest daughter of renowned actors Bruce Willis and Demi Moore has openly shared her commitment to proactive health management following her father’s recent diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia. In an interview with PEOPLE, she revealed her collaboration with Function, an innovative health membership service that offers over 160 advanced lab tests and assessments aimed at empowering individuals to better understand their health.
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Willis has been particularly focused on genetic testing, specifically the APOE genetic test, to gauge her potential risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. This concern stems from her family’s medical history, which includes instances of breast cancer and other health challenges. Acknowledging the fear that can accompany such revelations, she expressed a belief that knowledge is empowering. “It’s terrifying to get answers sometimes,” she remarked. “But I think when you have information, it’s power.”
Her decision to engage with Function allows her to track various health metrics, such as inflammation and heart health, enabling her to take meaningful action. “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,” she explained. This proactive approach has equipped her with data to confidently discuss her health with her medical providers, ensuring she is not sidelined or dismissed in conversations about her well-being.
Willis emphasised that even before her father’s diagnosis, she made it a priority to focus on her overall health, including her brain, gut, and reproductive health. “Health is one of those things that we take for granted until we don’t have it,” she stated. By making small, consistent efforts towards better health, she believes she can mitigate more significant issues as she ages. “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.”
She outlined some of the adjustments she has made in her daily routine, such as incorporating dietary supplements, eliminating perfumes, and opting for home-cooked meals over takeout. These seemingly minor changes contribute to her broader health strategy. “They seem inane when we’re on Instagram scrolling and seeing all these things we should do, but it does make a difference,” she reflected.
Understanding the complexities of modern life and health, Willis noted that individuals are constantly facing various environmental challenges. “We are essentially under attack in this world that we live in,” she said, recognising the importance of remaining vigilant about health choices. She firmly believes that it is pivotal for individuals to adopt a proactive stance rather than leaving their health to chance.
For Willis, the overarching goal of her health journey is not solely personal; she is motivated by a desire to be present for her daughter. She affirmed, “I know that the actions I’m taking have a difference not only on myself but on my daughter and on my ability to be around for her as long as possible.”
As she navigates these health initiatives, Willis serves as a reminder of the value of knowledge and the importance of taking active steps toward personal well-being. Her approach highlights the critical role that informed decision-making can play in mitigating health risks, particularly in the face of genetic predispositions. Through her partnership with Function and commitment to enhancing her health, Rumer Willis exemplifies a proactive and empowered stance on personal health management.