Beach Boys' Brian Wilson ‘diagnosed with dementia’ as family seek conservatorship weeks after wife's death
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Beach Boys frontman Brian Wilson’s family have filed to place him under a conservatorship after he was diagnosed with dementia, according to reports.
Conservatorships are requested when someone is deemed incapable of managing their own well-being and requires assistance. According to documents obtained by The Blast, the 81-year-old is experiencing a “major neurocognitive disorder (such as dementia)” and his family have requested the establishment of a conservatorship to help treat him.
As per the outlet, the document reads: “The (proposed) conservatee does NOT have the capacity to informed consent to the administration of medications appropriate to the care and treatment of major neurocognitive disorders (including dementia.)”
In light of the reports, Wilson’s family shared their intentions for his care in a new social media post to his Instagram page, confirming longtime Wilson family representatives LeeAnn Hard and Jean Sievers will serve as his co-conservators.
They wrote: “Following the passing of Brian’s beloved wife Melinda, after careful consideration and consultation among Brian, his seven children, Gloria Ramos and Brian’s doctors (and consistent with family processes put in place by Brian and Melinda), we are confirming that longtime Wilson family representatives LeeAnn Hard and Jean Sievers will serve as Brian’s co-conservators of the person.
“This decision was made to ensure that there will be no extreme changes to the household and Brian and the children living at home will be taken care of and remain in the home where they are cared for by Gloria Ramos and the wonderful team at the house who have been in place for many years helping take care of the family.
“Brian will be able to enjoy all of his family and friends and continue to work on current projects as well as participate in any activities he chooses. The Wilson family.”
Court documents show that a hearing is scheduled for April 26, 2024.
The Standard has contacted Wilson’s rep for comment.
News of the legendary musician health comes weeks following the death of his wife, Melinda Ledbetter, at the age of 77, in January.
The couple’s relationship inspired a biopic in 2014 titled Love & Mercy starring John Cusack and Paul Dano as Brian, which follows him under the sway of a controlling therapist, before finding his “saviour” Melinda, played by Elizabeth Banks.
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Sharing a series of pictures on Instagram, Wilson said: “Melinda, my beloved wife of 28 years, passed away this morning. Our five children and I are just in tears. We are lost.
“Melinda was more than my wife. She was my saviour. She gave me the emotional security I needed to have a career.
“She encouraged me to make the music that was closest to my heart. She was my anchor. She was everything for us.”