It's been nine years since the world lost the comedic legend Robin Williams, and while his departure was both unexpected and traumatic, his widow, Susan Schneider, sheds light on the actual reason behind his demise.
Williams, a comedic icon who became a legend in his lifetime, faced a rapid decline that Schneider witnessed firsthand. Contrary to common belief, it wasn't depression that claimed Robin Williams but a rare disease called Lewy body dementia (LBD).
Often misdiagnosed, LBD manifests in multiple overwhelming symptoms. Schneider clarifies, "It was not depression that killed Robin. Depression was one of, let's call it, fifty symptoms, and it was a small one."
The autopsy report confirmed the pervasive presence of Lewy bodies throughout Williams' entire brain and brain stem. Schneider recounts, "The fact that something had infiltrated every part of my husband's brain? That made perfect sense."
She reflects on the unusual paranoia exhibited by Williams, marking the beginning of a 10-month progression of increasingly perplexing symptoms. LBD, she explains, unfolds gradually, making it confusing for both the patient and the caregiver as symptoms change over time.
Throughout his life, Robin Williams captivated the public with his artistic endeavors, whether through stand-up comedy, animated films, stellar on-screen performances, or candid interviews. His unparalleled creative brilliance, often likened to the speed of thought, left an indelible mark on the world. The narrative suggests that, perhaps, like the brightest stars, Robin Williams shone intensely but briefly, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate.
