It's been over a year since August 10, 2014 — the day that beloved comedian and actor Robin Williams took his own life. After a long grieving period, his widow Susan has now come forward to offer some insight into the death. Specifically, she claims it wasn't depression that drove the actor to suicide.
Susan Schneider Williams explained that her husband had been suffering from Lewy body dementia, a debilitating brain disease. "It was not depression that killed Robin," she told People [via the New York Times]. "Depression was one of let's call it 50 symptoms, and it was a small one."
As the Times explains, Lewy body dementia is the second only to Alzheimer's as the most common type of dementia. It can cause hallucinations, muscle issues and other mental issues. As Susan explains, Robin's disease was manifesting itself in paranoia, anxiety and delusions.
Speaking with Good Morning America, Susan Williams said that he likely only had three more years to live. As such, she understands why Robin Williams did what he did. "I mean, there are many reasons. Believe me. I've thought about this. Of what was going on in his mind, what made him ultimately commit — you know, to do that act. And I think he was just saying, 'No.' And I don't blame him one bit. I don't blame him one bit."
Susan Schneider Williams explained that her husband had been suffering from Lewy body dementia, a debilitating brain disease. "It was not depression that killed Robin," she told People [via the New York Times]. "Depression was one of let's call it 50 symptoms, and it was a small one."
As the Times explains, Lewy body dementia is the second only to Alzheimer's as the most common type of dementia. It can cause hallucinations, muscle issues and other mental issues. As Susan explains, Robin's disease was manifesting itself in paranoia, anxiety and delusions.
Speaking with Good Morning America, Susan Williams said that he likely only had three more years to live. As such, she understands why Robin Williams did what he did. "I mean, there are many reasons. Believe me. I've thought about this. Of what was going on in his mind, what made him ultimately commit — you know, to do that act. And I think he was just saying, 'No.' And I don't blame him one bit. I don't blame him one bit."