Brian Wilson Battling Dementia
• We were saddened to learn that Beach Boys co-founder Brian Wilson, the wildly talented but troubled genius who composed most of the band’s landmark Pet Sounds album, is suffering from dementia at the age of 81, court filings obtained by Rolling Stone confirm.
In a petition for a conservatorship filed last Wednesday in Los Angeles, representatives for Wilson publicly revealed the magnitude of his cognitive decline for the first time, saying Wilson is “unable to properly provide for his own personal needs for physical health, food, clothing, or shelter.”
The serious nature of Wilson’s health was spelled out in a message from The Wilson Family, posted to Brian’s website, which states: “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.”
In closing, the message states: “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 full story is posted at rollingstone.com.
