Sources have confirmed that late actor Robin Williams was suffering from Lewy Body Dementia. This may have been a factor in his death, according to sources close to the star's family.
The condition is a form of dementia associated with Parkinson's disease. Medication provided for the relief from Parkinson's can often cause side effects for those suffering from both, including hallucinations.Court documents obtained by TMZ report that "Robin's wife had told authorities shortly after his death he had been complaining about the meds and the way they made him feel".
Sources close to the family told the American website that Lewy Body Dementia was the "key factor" they believe drove him to take his own life.
"The condition itself is caused by the build-up of protein into clumps, called Lewy bodies, in the brain, which can damage nerve cells in areas involved in memory and thinking,' explained Hilary Evans, Director of External Affairs at Alzheimer’s Research UK. Speaking to the Daily Mail, she continued: "These protein clumps also play a role in Parkinson's disease, so some people with dementia with Lewy bodies will also experience movement symptoms similar to those seen in Parkinson's."
The much-loved star was found dead at his California home in August, with an investigation concluding that the 63-year-old died of suicide by asphyxiation.
Known for his big heart and staggering talent, the star's tragic passing led to Twitter being flooded with messages from Hollywood stars and VIPs who shared memories of meeting him, or who were simply feeling the loss of one of Tinseltown's most prolific actors.
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon paid tribute to their friend Robin Williams
Among the moving messages for the comedic genius were words of remembrance from American president Barack Obama.
"Robin Williams was an airman, a doctor, a genie, a nanny, a president, a professor, a bangarang Peter Pan and everything in between. But he was one of a kind. He arrived in our lives as an alien - but he ended up touching every element of the human spirit," said the president in a statement.