Former Westchester resident and Hollywood actor Bruce Willis' diagnosis of aphasia has put the medical condition in the spotlight.

The "Die Hard" actor's family wrote on social media Wednesday that he is stepping away from acting after he was diagnosed with the illness, which impacts his cognitive abilities.

Aphasia is a medical condition that makes it hard to communicate. It's typically caused by stroke, head injury, or brain tumor.

On Wednesday, News 12 called a past President of the National Aphasia Association, Barbara Martin, to learn more. Her husband, Daniel Martin, who is also the Association's treasurer, answered instead and told News 12 his wife died about a year ago.

Martin cared for his wife for nearly 40 years after she was diagnosed at age 45 because of a massive stroke.

"Instead of chicken she would say 'tooken' or instead of Daniel, my name, she would say 'Fufa.' It's challenging and you have to have enormous patience," Martin explained.

Martin added that by the time his wife died, she had regained about 85% of speech.

The Martins, like Willis, lived in Westchester.

News 12 was at Bedford Corners when Willis put his $6 million estate on the market about two years ago.

If you want to learn more about Aphasia or need help, you can visit the links below.