Robin Williams was in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease at the time of his death, his wife said on Thursday.
In a statement, Susan Schneider said that Williams, 63, was struggling with depression, anxiety and the Parkinson’s diagnosis when he died on Monday in his Northern California home. Authorities said he committed suicide.
“Robin’s sobriety was intact and he was brave as he struggled with his own battles of depression, anxiety as well as early stages of Parkinson’s disease, which he was not yet ready to share publicly,” Schneider said.
Schneider did not offer details on when the actor comedian had been diagnosed or his symptoms.
Williams’ death shocked fans and friends, despite his candor about decades of struggle with substance abuse and mental health.
Parkinson’s disease is an incurable nervous system disorder that involves a loss of brain cells controlling movement.
Actor Michael J. Fox, who has long had the disease and is known for his efforts to fund research into it, commented online.
“Stunned to learn Robin had PD. Pretty sure his support for our Fdn predated his diagnosis. A true friend; I wish him peace,” Fox tweeted.
Boxer Muhammad Ali, the late radio personality Casey Kasem and the late Pope John Paul II are among other well-known figures diagnosed with the disease.
Parkinson’s affects about 1 million people nationwide, 6 million globally. The cause is not known.
There is no standard test for Parkinson’s; doctors rely on symptoms, medical history and neurological exams to make the diagnosis.
Christopher Gomez, neurology chairman at the University of Chicago, said depression and Parkinson’s are thought to affect the same regions of the brain.
Schneider said that those who loved Williams are taking solace in the outpouring of affection and admiration for him.
“It is our hope in the wake of Robin’s tragic passing, that others will find the strength to seek the care and support they need to treat whatever battles they are facing so they may feel less afraid,” she said.
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