14 November 2014
Robin Williams: Dementia with Lewy Bodies
In August it was revealed that actor Robin Williams had Parkinson’s. It has now been reported that Robyn Williams was
living with a form of dementia (Dementia with Lewy Bodies or DLB).
People with Lewy Body Dementia often develop memory and language problems and can experience hallucinations. However,
there is no research linking hallucinations caused by Lewy Body Dementia to suicide.
DLB is a relatively common cause of dementia and it is estimated one in five people with a dementia over the age of 65
years have DLB. Dementia with Lewy Bodies is also found in Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s New Zealand wants people to seek help if they are worried about themselves or a member of their family or
whanau. This could be about depression, medication issues or support for any other areas of concern around living with
Parkinson’s.
“Either talk with your GP or local Parkinson’s Community Educator, says Deirdre O’Sullivan, Chief Executive at
Parkinson’s New Zealand. “We provide free access to registered Community Educators throughout New Zealand so that no one
has to live with Parkinson’s on their own.
Parkinson’s New Zealand can help:
Contact you nearest Community Educator
Read about Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB).
General information about Parkinson’s can also be found on Parkinson’s New Zealand website: www.parkinsons.org.nz
ENDS