Miki Berkovich's Family Reveals Basketball Legend Battles Lewy Body Dementia

The family of Miki Berkovich, Israeli basketball legend, disclosed that he is currently battling Lewy body dementia, a severe form of dementia affecting brain cells. This revelation came after years of speculation about his health and was shared in the documentary "The Secret of Miki." His wife, Shelly, described the disease as one of the toughest, while his son Niv explained that it causes gradual loss of various abilities. Initially, Berkovich struggled to accept the diagnosis, with his wife noting his denial and the visible darkness in his eyes. Another son, Roy, expressed the pain of seeing their father change, saying the person they knew was no longer the same despite the familiar face and body.

Former footballer and Miki's relative, Eyal Berkovich, also spoke about the situation on his radio show, calling it a tragedy to see "the king of Israel" in such a state. The family reported that early symptoms appeared during the COVID-19 pandemic, including vision problems that eye tests could not explain, followed by noticeable behavioral changes. A significant turning point occurred during a family trip to New York in 2024 for Miki's 70th birthday, when he confused locations in Tel Aviv while in a taxi, prompting the family to seek deeper medical evaluation. His daughter Adi observed his impaired orientation during the trip and realized he was no longer the same father.

Despite the challenges, the family strives to maintain the optimistic spirit that defined Miki throughout his life, recalling his motto to "make lemonade out of lemons." They continue to support him with hope and positivity amid his health battle.