US actor Robin Williams was suffering from a form of dementia that causes hallucinations and depression at the time of his death that possibly triggered his suicide, a news report claims.
US News website TMZ said it obtained court documents that showed the comedian was suffering from a form of dementia called Lewy Body Dementia when he committed suicide in August at the age of 63.
The disease affects 1.3 million people in the US and is often underdiagnosed, the Lewy Body Dementia Association website said.
It causes abnormal deposits of protein in the brain, hallucinations and memory loss.
TMZ reported that Williams’ wife told authorities her husband has complained about his medication and how it made him feel, before his death.
TMZ said sources close to the family had informed it they believed the condition was a "key factor" in Williams’ suicide.
* Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 or follow @LifelineAust @OntheLineAus @beyondblue @headspace_aus @ReachOut_AUS on Twitter.
