Robin Williams was an icon to many, a many who always had a laugh on his lips. But the sad truth about how he spent his final days is absolutely tragic. No one deserves this.
Robin Williams, the late actor and renowned comedian, was larger than life. His motivational speeches and quotes resonated with countless people, showcasing his impactful way of living.
He could make everyone laugh, even while he was going through personal struggles.
Regrettably, Williams passed away by suicide on Monday, August 11, 2014, leaving countless individuals grieving his loss. The news was a tremendous shock. People couldn’t help but question how someone so joyful and entertaining could meet such a horrifying end. However, there was more to the story than initially perceived. The autopsy disclosed that Williams had Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), a neurological disorder where protein deposits, known as Lewy bodies, form in nerve cells within the brain regions responsible for thinking, memory, and motor control, rather than Parkinson’s disease as doctors had previously stated.
As per a Mayo Clinic article, individuals with Lewy body dementia may experience visual hallucinations and alterations in their alertness and attention.
In his final years, Williams’ health began to decline. Despite his remarkable ability to memorize countless lines flawlessly, he started experiencing difficulties with memory while on set. This caused him a great deal of frustration and anxiety.
Susan Schneider Williams, the wife of Williams, shared that after meeting with 4 doctors who reviewed his records, they all agreed that his condition was one of the most severe they had encountered. They found that he had a 40% loss of dopamine neurons and Lewy bodies were present throughout his entire brain and brainstem.
Susan talked about Williams’ declining health before he died. It began with stomach cramps, heartburn, and digestive issues, then progressed to a resting tremor in his left hand believed to be linked to a previous shoulder injury. No one knew what would happen next.
New reports indicate that the actor’s last moments were filled with pain and chaos, as Susan described it as her husband enduring a never-ending nightmare.
His vision and smell problems led to sleep difficulties and occasional freezing in motion due to motor issues.
Susan informed New York Times that the symptoms may not all show up at the same time, but rather in a gradual manner.
It felt like playing whack-a-mole. Which symptom will show up this month? I questioned if my husband was a hypochondriac. We’ve attempted everything to address it, but nothing seems to work.
As Williams’ condition deteriorated, he and his wife were recommended to sleep in different rooms. Williams himself grappled with reality to the extent that he even questioned Schneider about their relationship status.
Williams’ friends said he was surprised by his appearance in the fall of 2013, noting that he looked thinner and more fragile.
Susan mentioned in her Neurology article that her husband, who was given antipsychotic medication that exacerbated his condition, was “losing his mind and he knew it.”
Robin Williams, famous for his ability to improvise and his diverse range of characters in both serious and funny movies, reached a point where he couldn’t handle the turmoil in his mind and his personal life anymore. He made the heartbreaking decision to end his own life, leaving countless people devastated. Sadly, only a few knew about the inner demons he was battling.
Robin Williams, may you rest in peace knowing that your legacy will endure.
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