## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Resources & Support](/resources-support) - [Parkinson's Today Blog](/resources-support/blog) ## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Resources & Support](/resources-support) - [Parkinson's Today Blog](/resources-support/blog) Raise Awareness # Robin Williams: Lewy Body Dementia, Suicide and Parkinson’s Jul 14, 2021 ![Robin Williams](/sites/default/files/styles/no_sizing/public/images/robinwilliams-lewybodydemantiasuicidepd-blog.jpg?itok=vv-odqcd) On August 11, 2014 actor and comedic genius Robin Williams passed away. Williams not only amplified awareness of the life-changing, prevalent disease known as Lewy Body Dementia, but his passing brought much-needed attention to the importance of mental health and the [non-movement symptoms](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms "Non-Movement Symptoms") of [depression](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/depression "Depression") and [anxiety](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/anxiety "Anxiety") that often accompany a neurodegenerative disease. A decade after his passing, what do we know about [Lewy Body Dementia](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/dementia/lewy-bodies "Dementia with Lewy Bodies")? How can we help people with a neurological disease experiencing suicidal thoughts? ## What is Lewy Body Dementia? [Lewy Body Dementia (LBD)](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/dementia/lewy-bodies "Dementia with Lewy Bodies"), also known as Dementia with Lewy Bodies, is a progressive brain disorder that is diagnosed when cognitive decline is an early symptom. It can also be diagnosed when cognitive decline and motor symptoms begin and develop together. “Lewy Body Dementia is a common type of dementia — it is the second most common neurodegenerative dementia behind Alzheimer’s,” said Jennifer G. Goldman, MD, MS, section chief of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and a Professor in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Neurology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, a [Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care/global-care-network "Global Care Network"). **“It is thought to affect 1.4 million people in the U.S. but is not widely recognized. With greater education and awareness, with Lewy Body Dementia including both Dementia with Lewy Body and Parkinson’s disease (PD) dementia, we can start to change that landscape.”** ### Learn More Deep dive into Dementia with Lewy bodies, atypical parkinsonism disorders, treatments and more. [READ NOW](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/dementia/lewy-bodies) ## What is the difference between Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s disease dementia? Lewy Body Dementia is a term used for both Parkinson’s disease dementia and Lewy Body Dementia. They have some things in common, but their progression and treatment are different. While many people with Parkinson’s can experience [cognitive changes](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/cognitive "Cognitive Changes"), it is important to know that not everyone with Parkinson’s will develop dementia. “When we see more severe cognitive changes, particularly when they affect someone’s function or ability to act independently for activities of daily living, their work or hobbies, we think of that as being a form of dementia,” said Dr. Goldman. “With Parkinson’s dementia, the motor symptoms precede the dementia. In dementia with Lewy Body the initial core symptom is dementia — cognitive changes are early, and motor features, if present, occur either after the onset of dementia or concurrently,” said Dr. Goldman. ## Fight For a Diagnosis Before Robin Williams was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, it was [reported](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-lewy-body-dementia-gripped-robin-williams1/) that he had been experiencing paranoia, confusion, insomnia, constipation and lacking the ability to smell. For many, the wide range of early symptoms — not all related to brain function — makes Lewy Body Dementia difficult to diagnose. Dr. Goldman urges patients to fight to find their diagnosis. “Continue to seek the answers and [seek out a specialist](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care/building-your-team "Building Your Care Team") to help identify the cause of the cognitive issues or type of dementia,” said Dr. Goldman. “The right doctor can change one’s management, prognosis, and eligibility for participating in research studies. It’s important to have the best understanding of the disease for the chance to have the best outcomes.” ## Depression and Suicide People with neurological conditions, like Parkinson’s, are at higher risk for suicide, according to [a study published in in the *Journal of the American Medical Association*](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2760389?guestAccessKey=d5649cd4-8b2b-4f8b-9694-3ec2845cb59e&utm_source=For_The_Media&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=ftm_links&utm_content=tfl&utm_term=020420%22%20%5Ct%20%22_blank) in February 2020. [Depression](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/depression "Depression") can be a common symptom for both PD and LBD. People living with Parkinson's benefit most from a comprehensive, team-based healthcare approach that includes a mental health professional. With a team in place, should depression or suicidal thoughts occur, you have an established relationship with a professional you trust. However, it is never too late to add a mental health professional to your care team. If you or your loved one is having thoughts of suicide: - **Find the resource that works for you**: 24-hour suicide prevention hotlines can help, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. - **Seek professional help**: Find a psychologist, therapist, counselor, or social worker you can trust and lean on. - **Stay engaged:** It can be easy for people with Parkinson’s to distance themselves. Try to connect with family and friends, schedule regular phone calls and seek out a support group or wellness class. - **Build your support crew:** call the Parkinson's Foundation Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (473-4636) for help finding a local or online support group. If you are a care partner or family member, [learn about suicide warning signs and how you can help here](/living-with-parkinsons/emotional-mental-health/depression-mood/suicide "Suicide & Parkinson's"). ## Ongoing Hope There are treatment options for Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s disease dementia. Healthcare teams are finding that the most effective approach is a combination of medication, physical and mental exercises, and incorporating a mental health professional as part of a care team. “There is quite a bit of research going on in Lewy Body Dementia,” said Dr. Goldman. “Researchers are trying to understand why it occurs, and whether there are differences between Parkinson’s disease dementia and Lewy Body despite the fact that they share many clinical symptoms and pathology. Ongoing research ranges from trying to predict or detect early changes in people who might go on to develop Lewy Body Dementia all the way to studying different treatments — from medications to newer trials starting to look at the roles of mental and physical exercises.” ## More Resources The Parkinson’s Foundation believes in empowering the Parkinson’s disease community through education. Learn more: - [Podcast Episode 87: What is Lewy Body Dementia and How Does it Relate to Parkinson’s?](/library/podcast/87 "Episode 87: What is Lewy Body Dementia and How Does it Relate to Parkinson’s?") - [Lewy Body Dementia Association](https://www.lbda.org/) - [Dementia with Lewy Bodies](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/dementia/lewy-bodies "Dementia with Lewy Bodies") - [Caregiver Corner: Lewy What? Explaining Lewy Body Dementia](/blog/care/lewy-body-dementia "Caregiver Corner: Lewy What? Explaining Lewy Body Dementia") - [Suicide and Parkinson’s](/living-with-parkinsons/emotional-mental-health/depression-mood/suicide "Suicide & Parkinson's") **Contact the Parkinson's Foundation [Helpline](/resources-support/helpline "Helpline") at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) for more information about any of these topics and Parkinson’s.** ## Related Materials Podcasts ### [ Episode 87: What is Lewy Body Dementia and How Does it Relate to Parkinson’s? ](/library/podcast/87) [Listen Now](/library/podcast/87) Videos & Webinars ### [ Expert Briefing: Let's Talk About Dementia ](/library/videos/dementia) [Watch Now](/library/videos/dementia) Videos & Webinars ### [ Expert Briefing: Hallucinations and Delusions in Parkinson's ](/library/videos/hallucinations-delusions) [Watch Now](/library/videos/hallucinations-delusions) ## Related Blog Posts ![Younger and Older women](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/lewybodydementia-blog.jpg?h=ed9ce7df&itok=gEXQJe9q) Caregiving Topics ### [ Caregiver Corner: Lewy What? Explaining Lewy Body Dementia ](/blog/care/lewy-body-dementia) READ NOW ![Nurse resting her hand on the shoulder of her patient](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/DementiaConversation-Blog_0.jpg?h=ed9ce7df&itok=hTVNB9Im) Raise Awareness ### [ PD Dementia: An Important Conversation ](/blog/awareness/dementia-conversation) READ NOW ![Lady holding her head](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/Hallucinations-Delusions.jpg?h=fd3a3580&itok=_CfzNoVc) Raise Awareness ### [ Hallucinations and Delusions in Parkinson's Disease ](/blog/research/hallucinations-delusions) READ NOW [VIEW ALL BLOGS](/resources-support/blog) ### Subscribe for the latest news ### Order a Parkinson’s Hospital Safety Guide The Hospital Safety Guide is a resource for people with Parkinson's and their care partners filled with useful tools and information to prepare for and navigate a hospital stay. 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