During Robin Williams’ autopsy, a coroner made a tragic discovery about the actor's health.
The legendary actor died by suicide on 11 August 2014, at the age of 63.
Before his death, Williams had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease after suffering from substance abuse problems and severe mental health issues.
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However, the comedian’s son later spoke out to explain how it was revealed he had been misdiagnosed following his death.
Parkinson’s disease is a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years, it can cause depression and anxiety, memory problems, slow movement and involuntary shaking of particular body parts.
But when an autopsy was done following Williams’ death, it revealed he was actually suffering from undiagnosed Lewy body dementia (LBD) that was progressively causing his Parkinson's-type symptoms.
The NHS explains this is one of the most common types of dementia and that those with it may experience; hallucinations and hearing voices; problems with understanding, thinking, memory and judgement; confusion or sleepiness; slow movement, stiff limbs and tremors; disturbed sleep; fainting spells, unsteadiness and falls; depression and anxiety.
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There is currently no cure for LBD or treatment that will slow it down but there are treatments to help control some symptoms. It is said the average survival time after a diagnosis is about five to seven years but that’s highly variable.
In 2021, Williams’ son Zak spoke out about the disease and his dad’s misdiagnosis which left him ‘very uncomfortable’ and ‘frustrated’ in his final years.
He said on Max Lugavere's The Genius Life podcast: “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.
“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", he continued, adding that the incorrect medical information and medication may have 'exacerbated the situation'.
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"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]."
He added that the disease and misdiagnosis prevented his father’s ability to ‘perform his craft’, having further impact on his mental health.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, please don’t suffer alone. Call Samaritans for free on their anonymous 24-hour phone line on 116 123.
Topics: Robin Williams, Mental Health, Health
Jess Battison