Miki Berkovich's Family Reveals He Suffers From Lewy Body Dementia

Miki Berkovich, the legendary former basketball player, has been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, his family disclosed in a documentary aired on Keshet 12 on August 24, 2026. Berkovich is currently receiving round-the-clock dedicated care. This form of dementia involves the buildup of protein deposits in brain nerve cells, affecting areas responsible for thinking, memory, and movement. The disease causes a gradual decline in mental abilities and can lead to visual hallucinations, fluctuations in alertness and attention, muscle stiffness, slowed movement, tremors, cognitive changes, sleep disturbances, and apathy. Not all symptoms necessarily appear in every patient.

While there is no cure for Lewy body dementia, targeted treatments can alleviate many symptoms. These include cholinesterase inhibitors that boost neurotransmitter levels important for memory and judgment, medications to reduce muscle stiffness and movement slowness, and drugs to address sleep problems. Early diagnosis is crucial as it allows for tailored symptom management, avoidance of medications that could worsen symptoms, and proper planning for ongoing care. The revelation about Berkovich’s condition highlights the importance of awareness and early intervention in this complex neurodegenerative disease.