Miki Berkovich's Family Reveals He Is Battling Dementia

Miki Berkovich, one of Israel's greatest basketball legends and a longtime star of Maccabi Tel Aviv, is currently facing a challenging medical condition. His family disclosed in a special program hosted by Niv Reskin on Keshet 12 that Berkovich is suffering from dementia. Over time, his relatives noticed troubling changes in his behavior and cognition, prompting medical evaluations.

Berkovich's wife recounted the first signs during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he began having vision problems and difficulties reading newspapers and watching television. His driving also showed signs of impairment, leading the family to seek medical advice. His son described a family trip to New York where Berkovich confused familiar locations, signaling the onset of his condition. His daughter added that he was disoriented and unsure of their surroundings during the trip.

The diagnosis confirmed dementia, a condition affecting brain cells and causing memory loss and cognitive decline. Despite initial denial by Berkovich himself, his family observed the gradual deterioration. Former basketball player Tal Brody, who exercised with Berkovich daily, noticed increasing memory lapses, including forgetting names of former teammates. Moti Aroesti also shared his observations of Berkovich's decline over recent years.

Berkovich's family expressed the emotional difficulty of witnessing the transformation of a once strong and vibrant figure into someone struggling with cognitive challenges. They emphasized the importance of cherishing moments when Berkovich recognizes them and smiles, which brings them comfort amid the hardship.

This revelation sheds light on the personal struggles behind the public figure, highlighting the impact of dementia on families and the importance of awareness and support.