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

Miki Berkovich, the legendary former basketball player, is suffering from Lewy body dementia, his family disclosed in a documentary aired on Keshet 12 on August 24, 2026. He is currently receiving around-the-clock dedicated care. Lewy body dementia is caused by protein deposits developing in nerve cells in the brain, affecting areas responsible for thinking, memory, and movement. This condition leads to a gradual decline in mental abilities and can cause visual hallucinations, fluctuations in alertness and attention, motor impairments such as muscle stiffness, slow movement, and tremors, as well as sleep disturbances and apathy.

Symptoms vary among patients, and while there is no cure for Lewy body dementia, targeted treatments can alleviate many symptoms. These include cholinesterase inhibitors that increase neurotransmitter levels important for memory and cognition, medications to reduce muscle stiffness and slow movement, and drugs to address sleep problems. Early diagnosis is crucial as it allows for tailored treatment, avoidance of medications that might worsen symptoms, and proper care planning for the future.