Robin Williams Reportedly Suffered From Dementia Prior To Suicide
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) - A battle with Alzheimer's-like dementia likely precipitated the Suicide of comedian Robin Williams, according to TMZ.
The website says they've obtained documents which reveal that Williams suffered from Lewy Body Dementia, which results from abnormal protein deposits in the brain. The symptoms can often overlap with those of Parkinson's disease, according to ALZ.org. The Mayo Clinic says it is the second most common type of progressive dementia, after Alzheimer's Disease.
"It may also cause visual hallucinations, which generally take the form of objects, people or animals that aren't there. This can lead to unusual behavior such as having conversations with deceased loved ones," reads the Mayo Clinic description of the disease. "Like Parkinson's disease, Lewy body dementia can result in rigid muscles, slowed movement and tremors."
"Sources connected with the Williams family" told TMZ the the condition was likely a factor that drove the Tiburon resident to kill himself on August 11th.
Last week it was revealed that Williams - who had struggled with substance abuse - had no unsubscribed drugs or alcohol in his system at the time of his death.
Williams' wife, Susan Schneider, had previously said the actor and comedian was struggling with depression, anxiety and the Parkinson's diagnosis when he was found dead by his personal assistant.