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Post by timegoodin on Feb 16, 2024 12:18:46 GMT -5
And AGD, you posted while I was struggling with my words. I didn't see your last post and wasn't trying to challenge the point you made.
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Post by mikedonn on Feb 16, 2024 12:25:42 GMT -5
I've been reading a lot of comments and the family statement.
Brian's family haven't actually said 'dementia'. This part, from a course document (as someone elsewhere pointed out), could be a tick box on a form:
'major neurocognitive disorder (such as dementia),' a few of which we know he suffers from.
The symptoms listed are not really any different to what Brian has suffered from for decades.
His family have also said Brian will still be able to work and choose who to work with.
I am trying to remain hopeful that Brian doesn't have dementia on top of everything else he's had to deal with. I'm also not denying he has it. It may explain his last tour and also 'forgetting' that Jack Rielly had passed away. Also,his appearance at last year's Grammy Tribute.
I just think the news reports (from the same source) while being based on factual documents,don't totally align with what Brian's family are saying. If he has dementia why would they not just say that, as Glen Campbell's family did?
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Post by AGD on Feb 16, 2024 12:41:38 GMT -5
All families are different.
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Post by filledeplage on Feb 16, 2024 13:08:41 GMT -5
I've been reading a lot of comments and the family statement. Brian's family haven't actually said 'dementia'. This part, from a course document (as someone elsewhere pointed out), could be a tick box on a form: 'major neurocognitive disorder (such as dementia),' a few of which we know he suffers from. The symptoms listed are not really any different to what Brian has suffered from for decades. His family have also said Brian will still be able to work and choose who to work with. I am trying to remain hopeful that Brian doesn't have dementia on top of everything else he's had to deal with. I'm also not denying he has it. It may explain his last tour and also 'forgetting' that Jack Rielly had passed away. Also,his appearance at last year's Grammy Tribute. I just think the news reports (from the same source) while being based on factual documents,don't totally align with what Brian's family are saying. If he has dementia why would they not just say that, as Glen Campbell's family did? The issue is that Melinda had Advance Health Care Directive status. There was no one named as her back up or substitute in case she could not fulfill the directive status. It doesn't exactly say "dementia" but "major neurocognitive disorder." That could come from some language used to grant the status. So, it doesn't look as though much will change, such as living in his own home, but where there is no one with that Advance Health Care Directive status, since Melinda passed away, there will be someone officially named, fulfilling that role. These news groups talk about having a copy of the filing, but didn't embed it so you could actually read it. And the writers seemed to leave that "family team" thing out. They used business titles rather than family-integrated involvement. The first article didn't really deal with the concept of a "family decision" and sort of made it look to the reader that it was a business decision with official titles, rather than a group-family-team decision. And that was kind of vague and misleading. It is sort of preserving the status quo ante (the situation prior to Melinda's passing) and that is just my read.
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Post by AGD on Feb 16, 2024 13:21:59 GMT -5
The statement on bw.com specifically names Brian, the seven children, Gloria and his doctors as instigating this latest move.
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Post by Matt H on Feb 16, 2024 13:55:22 GMT -5
The statement on bw.com specifically names Brian, the seven children, Gloria and his doctors as instigating this latest move. I was wondering if Carnie and Wendy were a part of this decision.
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Post by lonelysummer on Feb 16, 2024 15:09:47 GMT -5
I've been reading a lot of comments and the family statement. Brian's family haven't actually said 'dementia'. This part, from a course document (as someone elsewhere pointed out), could be a tick box on a form: 'major neurocognitive disorder (such as dementia),' a few of which we know he suffers from. The symptoms listed are not really any different to what Brian has suffered from for decades. His family have also said Brian will still be able to work and choose who to work with. I can't imagine Brian working now, it sounds like just surviving day to day is a challenge for the man.
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Post by AGD on Feb 16, 2024 15:21:18 GMT -5
There's a degree of wishful thinking going on here.
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petsite
Author/Historian/ Researcher
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Post by petsite on Feb 16, 2024 16:06:16 GMT -5
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ttboy
Grommet
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Post by ttboy on Feb 16, 2024 17:45:23 GMT -5
I've had friends whose elderly parents who have had multiple major back surguries and both said each of their parent's came out of the surgury with signs of dementia from the anesthetic. Throw in 60 years of mental illness on top of that, not surprising to hear about this. I agree with the wishful thinking as far any future activies go.
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Post by Mikie on Feb 16, 2024 18:29:33 GMT -5
Timegoodin, we'd like for you to introduce yourself here if you don't mind. Thanks! endlessharmony.boards.net/board/26/new-member-introductionsMy Aunt just passed away after having Dementia. She was 94. The doctor's prognosis was given to her three years ago and she was told a couple of years ago that she would have two years to live and he was correct.
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Post by Cam Mott on Feb 16, 2024 19:09:24 GMT -5
On his website, this is reassuring to me: "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."
Still, loss of a spouse (or any loved one) is a rough row to hoe on its own.
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Post by mikedonn on Feb 16, 2024 19:29:03 GMT -5
On his website, this is reassuring to me: "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." Still, loss of a spouse (or any loved one) is a rough row to hoe on its own. Cam, I mentioned that too. It seems a few folk above possibly think that's wishful thinking. Maybe they think Brian should just give up and not do anything? If he wants to record or hang out with friends that choice should be his. I'm not for one minute looking for him to go and record an album and release it. Keeping active for as long as possible doing something you love is probably a good thing, dementia or not. It's a major reason Brian toured for as long as he has done.
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Post by Emdeeh on Feb 16, 2024 19:43:47 GMT -5
Jean Sievers confirmed the reports about Brian in Rolling Stone:
I consider RS to be a reliable source. I'm sad to hear this news, but am hopeful that Brian is getting the best care and receiving lots of love.
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Post by Stephen W. Desper on Feb 16, 2024 19:44:41 GMT -5
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Post by bessieboporbach on Feb 16, 2024 21:33:23 GMT -5
Brian is of an age where even a UTI is liable to manifest as symptoms of advanced dementia, and his well-documented mental health issues are all aggravating factors.
Identifying his condition as dementia in a declaration was likely deemed necessary by lawyers to have granted the conservatorship he manifestly needs now that Melinda is gone.
I don't think this "diagnosis" really changes anything.
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Post by Rick Bartlett on Feb 16, 2024 23:46:11 GMT -5
What I am Thankful for is this place has been civil since the news was dished out most recently. I've been reading other sites, and some of the comments from people have left me disgusted. It's not surprising the family in past have said very little about Brian's health state, because there is a lot being said online totally taking the small amount of information given and people magnifying it and creating their own nasty agenda's and distorted commentary, creating this mutant story of events. People feel they have free reign on bringing back some Mike bashing, attacking Jean Sievers/Gloria Ramos, which most people spinning these bullcrap stories have never heard of until this recent article(s). Having the nerve to even compare their motives to Landy which is just utter garbage and uncalled for. Some paraphrasing 'worst news ever' about the conservatorship, not having a clue that Brian has been somewhat in a shadowed version since Melinda came along and took good care of him.... And with the help of Jean and Gloria over the many many years already! Don't you love how everybody become a so called expert and yet, they have no clue what is going on whatsoever? None of us here even know for sure what is truly going on to be fair, but most of us make educated assumptions at least based on facts and some intellect. Some people already have the big fella 'dead and buried', not even realizing, the guy is still participating in music projects off and on. Anyway, just wanted to say, some ugly stuff being written by people out there people, don't believe most of what is being said, always try to find first hand sources for your information of course. Just sayin'....
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Post by lonelysummer on Feb 17, 2024 0:10:50 GMT -5
On his website, this is reassuring to me: "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." Still, loss of a spouse (or any loved one) is a rough row to hoe on its own. I can't imagine, in his current condition, Brian will be doing much work at all. Wishful thinking on someone's part.
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Post by lonelysummer on Feb 17, 2024 0:14:13 GMT -5
On his website, this is reassuring to me: "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." Still, loss of a spouse (or any loved one) is a rough row to hoe on its own. Cam, I mentioned that too. It seems a few folk above possibly think that's wishful thinking. Maybe they think Brian should just give up and not do anything? If he wants to record or hang out with friends that choice should be his. I'm not for one minute looking for him to go and record an album and release it. Keeping active for as long as possible doing something you love is probably a good thing, dementia or not. It's a major reason Brian toured for as long as he has done. Well, I, for one, never bought the party line that Brian wanted to be touring all those years. Especially in recent years, where he looked like he'd rather be anyplace but on that stage. But I am confident that Gloria Ramos and Jean Sievers are taking good care of Brian now.
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rjm
Kahuna
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Post by rjm on Feb 17, 2024 1:39:47 GMT -5
I’m not surprised since he had been showing signs in recent years. I’m glad that of the 30 times that I’ve seen him perform, most of those nights were good nights for Brian. He absolutely deserved every bit of his 23 year victory lap. I’m also glad to see him surrounded by people who know him best and will make him feel comfortable in his current state.
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Post by AGD on Feb 17, 2024 2:35:47 GMT -5
What I am Thankful for is this place has been civil since the news was dished out most recently. I've been reading other sites, and some of the comments from people have left me disgusted. It's not surprising the family in past have said very little about Brian's health state, because there is a lot being said online totally taking the small amount of information given and people magnifying it and creating their own nasty agenda's and distorted commentary, creating this mutant story of events. People feel they have free reign on bringing back some Mike bashing, attacking Jean Sievers/Gloria Ramos, which most people spinning these bullcrap stories have never heard of until this recent article(s). Having the nerve to even compare their motives to Landy which is just utter garbage and uncalled for. Some paraphrasing ' worst news ever' about the conservatorship, not having a clue that Brian has been somewhat in a shadowed version since Melinda came along and took good care of him.... And with the help of Jean and Gloria over the many many years already! Don't you love how everybody become a so called expert and yet, they have no clue what is going on whatsoever? None of us here even know for sure what is truly going on to be fair, but most of us make educated assumptions at least based on facts and some intellect. Some people already have the big fella ' dead and buried', not even realizing, the guy is still participating in music projects off and on. Anyway, just wanted to say, some ugly stuff being written by people out there people, don't believe most of what is being said, always try to find first hand sources for your information of course. Just sayin'.... The Mike-bashing was a given - some lowlife on SS even equated Mike's relationship with Brian to what Landy did 1982-91 FFS - but anyone who says anything negative about Gloria is beyond contempt as since 1985 she's been not only his housekeeper but a rock in his life. That she was prominently mentioned in the official statement, and consulted, pleases me immensely (inasmuchas anything in this desperately sad situation can please anyone).
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Post by AGD on Feb 17, 2024 2:42:01 GMT -5
This is a desperately sad time.
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Post by radiantradish on Feb 17, 2024 7:36:42 GMT -5
This is a desperately sad time.
Damn. Was really hoping it was misinterpreted court papers. If someone wouldn’t mind posting the NYT article as I can’t see it without subscription.
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Post by radiantradish on Feb 17, 2024 7:46:20 GMT -5
Have managed it myself. Sharing here for others but let me know if not allowed. I’m feeling really upset for poor Brian and I just hope he’s cared for and is as happy as possible. Also wishing all the best for his kids who are dealing with the loss of one parent and the serious health issues of another (in many ways like a loss).
BEGINS
The family of Brian Wilson, the musical architect whose genius helped power the Beach Boys, is seeking to place him under a conservatorship following the death of his wife, Melinda, last month.
According to documents filed in Los Angeles Superior Court earlier this week by lawyers representing the potential conservators, Mr. Wilson, 81, has “a major neurocognitive disorder,” and “is unable to properly provide for his own personal needs for physical health.” Melinda Wilson had previously provided care for her husband, but following her death on Jan. 30, the appointment of a conservator has become necessary, according to the petition filed on Wednesday.
In a statement. the family said that LeeAnn Hard, Mr. Wilson’s business manager, and Jean Sievers, his publicist and manager, would serve as co-conservators.
“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,” the statement said. In an email to The New York Times, Ms. Sievers said Mr. Wilson has been “diagnosed with dementia.” She said that as a co-conservator, she would “ensure that all of Brian’s daily living needs are satisfied and he continues to lead an active life.”
Sign up for The Amplifier newsletter, for Times subscribers only. Your alternative to the algorithm — a real, live human helps you discover songs you’ll love. Try it for 4 weeks. A hearing on the petition has been scheduled for April 30.
Mr. Wilson, a revered founder of the Beach Boys, is widely credited as a musical visionary who channeled an idealized notion of California into a chart-topping sound.
But the mental health challenges he faced along the way have also been well documented.
After suffering a nervous breakdown on a flight to Houston with the band in 1964, he abandoned touring to focus on recording, tapping into a period of explosive creativity that would help reshape the pop landscape with hits like “Good Vibrations.” At their height, the Beach Boys and their music flooded the Top 40 with melodies that captured the energy and culture of sunny, vibrant Southern California and music meticulously orchestrated in the studio. An American counterweight to the Beatles, the band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.
But even as Mr. Wilson worked, his struggles with mental illness worsened. He became increasingly withdrawn after an ambitious album, “Smile,” fell apart in 1967. He battled depression and was eventually diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, which manifested itself in auditory hallucinations, among other symptoms. He also experimented with LSD and other drugs and began overeating and abusing alcohol. He receded from the public eye and remained bedridden for extended periods during the 1970s.
In the years that followed, Mr. Wilson began dating Melinda Kae Ledbetter, who would become his second wife. The couple met in a Los Angeles Cadillac dealership, where she was a saleswoman, in a scene dramatized in the 2014 movie “Love & Mercy.” Ms. Wilson has said her future husband was struggling at the time she met him. Mr. Wilson had begun working with a psychotherapist, Eugene Landy, who is credited with helping yank his client from the depths of depression and substance abuse — and also blamed for inserting himself into many corners of Mr. Wilson’s creative and financial life.
Mr. Wilson’s family members eventually petitioned to create a previous conservatorship that extracted Mr. Wilson from Mr. Landy’s control. He married Melinda Ledbetter in 1995. They adopted five children, and Mr. Wilson credited her with helping to stabilize his life and career.
Toward the end of her life, Ms. Wilson also served as her husband’s health care agent, according to court filings.
“Mrs. Wilson attended to Mr. Wilson’s daily living needs,” the document said, “as Mr. Wilson is unable to properly provide for his own personal needs for physical health, food, clothing, or shelter.”
In 2021, the Beach Boys signed a blockbuster deal with Iconic Artists Group, selling the majority of the band’s intellectual property rights, including their trademarks and the rights to much of their music. Later that year, Wilson also sold his songwriting rights to Universal Music. The transaction was confidential, but was revealed the following year when his former wife, Marilyn Wilson-Rutherford, sued, saying she was owed millions of dollars as a result of the terms of their divorce settlement.
Wilson was on the road performing shows as recently as 2022.
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Post by AGD on Feb 17, 2024 9:22:30 GMT -5
As the days unfold, despite what's being put in place for Brian's future, it's hitting me harder and harder. Yes, to anyone who's watched his live shows since Covid, it's not exactly news but... dammit, it wasn't supposed to end like this. This lovely man has brought me, personally, so much utter joy, and because of his wonderful music I've met people I wouldn't normally have and been places I never imagined. Since summer 1975, my life changed due entirely due to Brian Wilson & The Beach Boys. I count myself fortunate to be able to tell him so, one on one. As I said before, I really don't need to know the ins and outs (yes, I just said that...), just that Brian is being cared for as he has been for decades. And he is, and if there's a good takeaway from these sad, sad times, it's that.
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