Suicide Death of Robin Williams Brings Attention to 'Lewy Body Dementia'
By Lynne Adkins
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- An autopsy has revealed that actor-comedian Robin Williams suffered from a common and yet relatively unknown form of dementia.
"Lewy body" dementia is the second most common type of dementia in the United States, and more people are being diagnosed every year.
Dr. Carol Lippa, head of the memory disorders program at the Drexel University College of Medicine, says that where Alzheimer's patients are forgetful, those with Lewy body dementia suffer in the mind, body, and personality.
"They'll have signs of Parkinson's disease -- slowness, shakiness of movement -- and their mental problems involve more attention or focus and complex thinking," she explains. "They also have a lot of emotional or behaviorable problems."
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Lippa says there is currently no prevention, and the disease is progressive, but the symptoms can be treated.