Miki Berkovich and Families Break Silence on Dementia Challenges in Israel

Miki Berkovich, one of Israel's most celebrated basketball players, has been privately battling dementia for over two and a half years. Until recently, his family kept his condition out of the public eye, but a new television documentary on Keshet 12 marked their first public disclosure. This revelation surprised many Israelis familiar with Berkovich as a symbol of strength and achievement, highlighting the difficult choice families face between privacy and openness when confronting dementia.

Berkovich's experience reflects a common struggle among families dealing with dementia and Alzheimer's, where alongside the disease itself, there is often a "second illness" of secrecy. Families worry about social stigma, altered perceptions of their loved ones, and whether revealing the diagnosis will change how others treat the person affected. This dilemma is intensified for public figures like Berkovich, whose identity is closely tied to their public image.

Similar stories have emerged recently in Israel, such as the Gantz family, who disclosed that Revital Gantz has been living with Alzheimer's since her early 50s, a secret kept for six years. Benny Gantz described the diagnosis as a turning point but emphasized that "this beautiful woman is still here," underscoring the complexity of the disease and the importance of recognizing the person beyond the illness.

Internationally, Bruce Willis's family has taken a balanced approach after his 2022 diagnosis of aphasia and later frontotemporal dementia. They share moments publicly without making every stage of the disease a public event, preserving his identity as a father and husband rather than solely a patient.

Experts stress that families do not have to disclose medical diagnoses publicly but should consider whether secrecy still serves them or adds to their burden. Choosing whom to share with and how much to reveal can help maintain dignity and support. Dr. Nati Blum, CEO of the Israeli Amda Association for dementia patients and families, advocates for a society where no family feels compelled to hide dementia and where the disease is spoken of openly without shame. This shift could ease the journey for both patients and their caregivers, who often face years of emotional and practical challenges.