Every disease needs a star to raise awareness. For Lewy body dementia (LBD), it’s Robin Williams.
In an emotional interview with Good Morning America, Robin’s widow, Susan, reveals: “Lewy body dementia killed Robin. It’s what took his life.” She sheds a desperately needed spotlight on LBD. Even though the disease affects an estimated 1.3 million individuals and their families in the United States, most people have never heard of it; and many doctors or other medical professionals are still not familiar with LBD.
Robin Williams passed away on August 11, 2014. The cause of death was suicide – but Susan Williams has additional insight into what compelled such a brilliant man to take his own life.
Susan says it wasn’t depression, but the affects of LBD on Robin’s mind that led him to take his own life. She adds, “This was a very unique case and I pray to God that it will shed some light on Lewy bodies for the millions of people and their loved ones who are suffering with it.” Thanks to Susan’s heartbreaking interview, she has given the tragic disease of LBD the face of Robin Williams to rescue it from obscurity.
I feel Susan’s pain. My own mother, Mama Jean, died from LBD, but because awareness is so low, it took my family months to get a diagnosis. Help spread the word about LBD and the real cause of Robin William’s death. Share this on Facebook. And if you or someone you know has been effected by LBD, share your story in the comments below.
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