Robin Williams' Widow, Susan Schneider Williams: Advocacy for Lewy Body Dementia
Robin Williams' Widow, Susan Schneider Williams: A Story of Love and Advocacy
Robin Williams, a name that evokes laughter and joy, will forever be remembered for his incredible talent as an actor and comedian. However, behind the scenes, Williams was battling a disease that would ultimately take his life. After his death in August 2014, the world learned about his struggle with Lewy body dementia, a devastating disorder that affected both him and his wife, Susan Schneider Williams.
Early Life and Career
Robin McLaurin Williams was born on July 21, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois. He began his career in stand-up comedy, performing in San Francisco and Los Angeles during the mid-1970s. Williams rose to fame with his role as the alien Mork in the sitcom Mork & Mindy (1978-1982). He went on to have a successful career in both film and television, with notable roles in movies like Good Morning, Vietnam (1987), Dead Poets Society (1989), Mrs. Doubtfire (1993), and Good Will Hunting (1997), for which he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Throughout his career, Williams received numerous accolades, including several Emmy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and Grammy Awards.
Robin Williams' Battle with Lewy Body Dementia
After Robin Williams' death, his autopsy revealed that he had been misdiagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The true cause of his symptoms was Lewy body dementia, a disorder that affects mental processes, memory, and reasoning. Lewy body dementia is characterized by the accumulation of a protein called alphasynuclein in the brain, forming masses called Lewy bodies. It is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer's disease.
Lewy body dementia often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to its similarities with other diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The diagnosis is usually confirmed through an autopsy after death. The disease's symptoms can include cognitive decline, movement issues, visual hallucinations, sleep disorders, mood changes, and problems with bodily functions.
Susan Schneider Williams: Raising Awareness and Advocacy
After Robin Williams' diagnosis, his widow, Susan Schneider Williams, became an advocate for raising awareness and funding research on Lewy body dementia. She has been actively involved in organizations such as the American Brain Foundation and helped establish the Lewy Body Dementia Fund. She has also contributed to documentaries about Robin's battle with the disease.
Living with Lewy body dementia is challenging, with symptoms that can fluctuate and affect various aspects of a person's life. In Robin Williams' case, he experienced fear, anxiety, paranoia, delusions, hallucinations, and severe insomnia. Susan Schneider Williams continues to advocate for those affected by the disease, emphasizing the importance of support and research for a better understanding of Lewy body dementia.
Susan Schneider Williams' dedication to raising awareness and advocating for her late husband's disease is a testament to her love for him. She is working tirelessly to ensure that Robin Williams' legacy lives on and that others facing similar challenges receive the support they need.
Conclusion
Robin Williams' wife, Susan Schneider Williams, has become an influential figure in raising awareness about Lewy body dementia. Her advocacy and dedication to finding a cure and supporting those affected by the disease have created a lasting impact. Through her efforts, many people now have a better understanding of Lewy body dementia and the challenges faced by those battling this devastating disorder.
