Deceased actor Robin Williams' wife revealed on Thursday that her husband was in the "early stages of Parkinson's disease" when he took his life.

Williams' wife Susan Schneider said on a statement released Thursday that the actor was diagnosed with the disease while he battled depression and anxiety. This statement invalidated rumors that money problems prompted his suicide.

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She described it as something her husband was "not yet ready" to share to the public, adding that he had been brave in facing the disease. Schneider, Williams' third wife, also clarified that his sobriety was 'intact' when he died.

In the wake of the Oscar winner's demise, his wife and family called on those who are battling the same disease he had fought to seek necessary care and support.

The renowned actor-comedian was found dead at the age of 63 in his San Francisco home on Monday. Authorities confirmed that the actor committed suicide after a belt was found wrapped around his neck and several superficial slashes were seen on his wrist.

In spite of his illness, Williams has been actively working during the last year of his life. However, it was not clear whether the people he worked with have noticed any change in him.

The National Parkinson Foundation explained that people close to a Parkinson's disease patient "can usually detect changes", which include loss of balance, poor posture, and abnormal facial expressions.

The progressive disorder, targeting the part of the nervous system mainly responsible for locomotive functions, also causes slowing movement or stiffness.

During the earliest stage of the illness, the patient experiences tremors or shaking in one of the limbs. As it progresses, the disease then affects both sides of the body, leaving the patient unable to perform normal tasks.

Later stages render it impossibly difficult for Parkinson's disease patients to walk or stand up straight.

TagsRobin Williams, Susan Schneider, Parkinson's disease