Beach Boys Leader Brian Wilson Diagnosed with Dementia at 81, Court Filings Confirm
Brian Wilson, the iconic leader of the Beach Boys and the creative genius behind their groundbreaking album Pet Sounds, has been diagnosed with dementia at the age of 81. This revelation comes from court filings obtained by Rolling Stone, which shed light on the extent of Wilson’s cognitive decline.
In a petition for a conservatorship filed in Los Angeles, representatives for Wilson publicly disclosed the severity of his condition. They stated that Wilson is no longer able to provide for his own personal needs, such as physical health, food, clothing, or shelter. This responsibility had previously been taken care of by his wife of three decades, Melinda Ledbetter Wilson, who sadly passed away last month.
The petition requests that Wilson’s longtime publicist and manager, Jean Sievers, and his longtime business manager, LeeAnn Hard, be named co-conservators of his personal and medical affairs. The need for this move arises from the fact that Wilson’s wife was responsible for his healthcare, and her death left a void in his care plan. The petition clarifies that Wilson’s financial assets are held in a trust, with Hard serving as the trustee and power of attorney.
The goal of the conservatorship is to ensure that Wilson can remain in his home while receiving the best possible care. The court filings emphasize that Sievers and Hard are committed to satisfying all of Wilson’s daily living needs. They also mention that Wilson is currently taking a drug called Aricept to manage his dementia symptoms.
Dr. Stephen S. Marmer, a clinical professor of psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine, provided a capacity declaration that offers more insight into Wilson’s condition. According to Dr. Marmer, Wilson finds it emotionally and physically challenging to attend court hearings due to his dementia. He is easily distracted and often makes irrelevant or incoherent statements. However, the doctor notes that Wilson can still follow instructions during voice lessons or physical therapy, thanks to long-standing muscle memory.
Wilson’s family released a statement on his website, assuring fans that he is in good hands. They express gratitude for the outpouring of love and support and confirm that the conservatorship petition aligns with the couple’s prior planning. The statement also mentions that Wilson’s seven children, caretaker Gloria Ramos, and doctors all support the decision.
While the recent court filings do not explicitly mention Wilson’s past struggles with mental health, he has been open about them in the past. In a 2004 interview with Larry King, Wilson and Melinda revealed that he had a form of schizoaffective disorder. He spoke about experiencing a nervous breakdown in the 1960s, hearing voices in his head, and battling depression.
Wilson’s mental health journey has been marked by ups and downs. In the mid-1970s, psychologist Eugene Landy played a controversial role in helping Wilson overcome his addictions and regain productivity. However, Landy’s exorbitant fees led to his dismissal in 1976. After Wilson’s overdose in 1982, Landy returned as his psychologist but also became his manager, isolating him from loved ones and securing a significant stake in his songwriting.
In 1991, Wilson’s family sought a conservatorship to free him from Landy’s control. They succeeded later that year, and Wilson went on to marry Melinda in 1995. Throughout his struggles, Wilson found solace in music. Singing and writing songs provided an escape from the voices in his head. Although he stepped back from touring with the Beach Boys early in his career, he continued to write music. He even reunited with the band in 2012 but hasn’t performed in concert since July 2022.
Despite his challenges, Wilson’s innovative music continues to captivate fans and fellow musicians. Rolling Stone recently reported that a country album Wilson started in 1970 will be the subject of an upcoming docuseries focused on its completion.
In the midst of this difficult time, Wilson’s longtime friend Jason Fine visited him and witnessed his resilience. Fine recalls Wilson expressing a desire to attend a Lakers game to take his mind off things. It is clear that Wilson’s spirit remains strong, and he is surrounded by a supportive team.
A hearing for the conservatorship case is scheduled for April 26. Until then, Wilson’s co-conservators, Sievers and Hard, will ensure that he receives the care he needs while maintaining his active life and involvement in ongoing projects.