Robin Williams was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease before he took his own life at the age of 63, but a coroner found another tragic detail in his autopsy about the comedian’s health
Robin Williams died in 2014(Image: Getty Images)
Robin Williams, the beloved actor and comedian, tragically took his own life on August 11, 2014, at the age of 63. A heartbreaking revelation about his health was made during his autopsy.
Before his untimely death, Williams had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, following a history of substance abuse and severe mental health struggles.
However, the coroner’s report revealed that the actor, who was remembered in part for the ‘lovely’ gift he once gave a co-star, was actually suffering from an undiagnosed condition known as Lewy body dementia (LBD), which had been progressively causing symptoms similar to those of Parkinson’s before his death.
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LBD is one of the most common types of dementia, characterized by hallucinations, comprehension difficulties, anxiety, and problems with movement, memory, and judgment.
In 2011, Williams’ son Zak voiced his frustration over his father’s misdiagnosis and the impact it had on his health, reports the Express US.
Zak shared that his father’s health issues left him feeling “very uncomfortable” and “frustrated” in his final years.
Speaking on Max Lugavere’s The Genius Life podcast, Zak suggested that the incorrect medical information and medication may have “exacerbated the situation.”
He explained, “What he was going through didn’t match one-to-one [with] many Parkinson’s patients’ experiences. So, I think that was hard for him.”
Zak further elaborated on his father’s struggles, saying, “There was a focus issue that frustrated him, there were issues associated with how he felt, and also from a neurological perspective, he didn’t feel great. He was very uncomfortable.”
Robin’s son said he thinks dad’s misdiagnosis contributed to a decline in his mental health(Image: AFP/Getty Images)
He added, “They’re also really hard on the mind and the body.”
“The diagnosis was different than the disease so I think it could be a situation where you’re taking stuff and experiencing purely the side effects of [the drug].”
Zak also mentioned that the illness and misdiagnosis prevented his father from practicing “his craft,’ and as a result his mental health was further impacted,” which further affected his mental health.”
Parkinson’s impacts certain areas of the brain, leading to progressive damage over several years.
There is no known cure for LBD and there are no treatments available that can slow its progression.
The actor was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease before his death (Image: Getty Images)
However, there are treatments available that can help manage some symptoms and the average survival time for patients after diagnosis is approximately five to seven years.
If this story has affected you in any way and you need someone to talk to confidentially, you can reach out to the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit 988 Lifeline.
