Robin Williams Was Battling Parkinson’s Disease, Wife Says
Source: Time
Says "sobriety was intact" when he died
by Taboola
The wife of Robin Williams revealed Thursday that at the time of his death, the late comedian was not only battling depression and anxiety but the early stages of Parkinson’s Disease.
“Robin’s sobriety was intact and he was brave as he struggled with his own battles of depression, anxiety as well as early stages of Parkinson’s Disease, which he was not yet ready to share publicly,” said Susan Schneider, in a statement.
Parkinson’s affects nearly 10 million people, according to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation. The National Institutes of Health cites that “for people with depression and Parkinson’s disease, each illness can make symptoms of the other worse.”
Statement from his wife
"Robin spent so much of his life helping others. Whether he was entertaining millions on stage, film or television, our troops on the frontlines, or comforting a sick child — Robin wanted us to laugh and to feel less afraid.
Since his passing, all of us who loved Robin have found some solace in the tremendous outpouring of affection and admiration for him from the millions of people whose lives he touched. His greatest legacy, besides his three children, is the joy and happiness he offered to others, particularly to those fighting personal battles.
Robin’s sobriety was intact and he was brave as he struggled with his own battles of depression, anxiety as well as early stages of Parkinson’s Disease, which he was not yet ready to share publicly.
It is our hope in the wake of Robin’s tragic passing, that others will find the strength to seek the care and support they need to treat whatever battles they are facing so they may feel less afraid.”
Read more: http://time.com/3111911/robin-williams-dead-parkinsons/
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My father had Parkinsons...I know what a struggle it is. You are both going to benefit from keeping a good sense of humor. You are making good memories that you will remember as the bad memories fade, and they will in time.
[font color="navy" face="Verdana"]So very sad....
I didn't mean any disrespect by suggesting autoimmune disease; I was just guessing based on the description of the symptoms I've seen. Many people with autoimmune disease go 10-20 years without diagnosis. Many are told somewhere along the way that the symptoms are all in their head and they need to see a psychiatrist.
Our medical establishment is too reliant on blood work and imaging (x-ray, MRI) to diagnose diseases. If the symptom can't be measured, it must be imaginary. Even if there is a diagnosis, often only the measurable symptoms are given any attention. Most people with Sjogren's will tell you that their main problem is fatigue, yet most research is aimed at treating the dry eyes and dry mouth that are the differntial (and measurable) symptoms.
I recall that it took something like 20 years before chronic fatigue syndrome was recognized as a real disease. For years, it was "all in their heads".
Robin decided to spare his family and others the financial and emotional toll of perhaps years of debilitating disease and care.
E! showed video of an interview with Robin (when his TV show was on). He just wasn't himself. He was quiet, never stood up or raised his voice. They noted he never moved his left arm and his right arm made a repetitive jerking motion. He clasped his hands every time it happened. Watching that video, you can see how Parkinson's would prevent Robin from being Robin. It just looked like his light had already stopped shining. 