Robin Williams was a phenomenal actor and comedian whose comments and quotes touched many people’s hearts. Even though he was experiencing personal difficulties, he had a tremendous ability to make people laugh. Williams led a life that exceeded everyone’s expectations.
The sad news of the passing of adored actor and comedian Robin Williams broke our hearts when he committed suicide on August 11, 2014, shocking and upsetting the entire world.
Williams had Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), a neurological condition in which protein deposits known as Lewy bodies form in nerve cells in the parts of the brain responsible for thought, memory, and movement, according to the postmortem report (motor control). Many were shocked because Williams had Parkinson’s disease during his lifetime.
LBD, a progressive degenerative disease, would have steadily removed Williams’ memories, mobility, and, ultimately, his life. We can only speculate about his extreme misery and pain before deciding to end his life.
Susan Schneider, Robin’s wife, treated her husband’s symptoms as a never-ending game of whack-a-mole. According to her, they were left in the dark while they hurriedly sought remedies to the new condition that came every month.
Billy Crystal, an actor and close friend of Williams, observed how his appearance shifted dramatically in a short period. Crystal also admitted that Robin told him one day: “I can no longer be funny.” He thought he could not be hilarious when working after having a panic episode and burst into tears.
Williams’ health began to deteriorate as he approached death. On set, the actor who could memorize tens of thousands of lines without making a single error began to struggle with memory.
People with Lewy body dementia may have visual hallucinations as well as changes in alertness and attentiveness, according to the Mayo Clinic.
He was going through a difficult time, filled with anxiety and frustration. He couldn’t find any answers, and his efforts worsened the situation.
Lewy body dementia combines symptoms with Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s, making diagnosing difficult. Susan Schneider Williams, the actor’s wife, discussed the actor’s incorrect diagnosis. She claimed that the pathologies he had were among the worst the doctors had ever seen.
Williams’ health gradually got worse despite the couple’s several therapeutic attempts. He had digestive issues, heartburn, and cramping in his stomach. His left hand started to tremble when at rest. The couple had no idea what would happen next.
The problems with his vision and sense of smell upset him so much that he had trouble falling asleep. Later, he experienced motor dysfunctions that periodically caused him to stop moving in mid-action.
Susan compared it to a game of whack-a-mole where they tried everything to address the symptoms but came up empty-handed.
Williams’ friends remarked that he appeared frailer and thinner than usual in the fall of 2013. Williams became increasingly aware of his deteriorating mental state after taking antipsychotic medications, which only worsened things.
Williams committed suicide because he could not handle what was happening to him. Robin Williams was a talented performer who excelled at bringing a variety of personas to life on screen. Many people who knew and loved him were shocked by his unexpected passing.
Robin Williams will always be remembered for the joy he brought into our lives, even if we were unaware of his fighting demons. He committed suicide, leaving a legacy of love and happiness in his aftermath. Rest in peace.
