ShakyWalton Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 One hell of a player in his day.... Blackhawks legend Mikita struggling with dementia, family says Stan Mikita, Bill Smith/National Hockey League/Getty Images Chicago Blackhawks legend Stan Mikita is facing serious health issues after being diagnosed with a form of dementia. Mikita's family says the Hockey Hall of Famer is undergoing treatment for suspected Lewy body dementia. The 74-year-old had previously been reported to be suffering from memory loss. Mikita played his entire NHL career with Chicago, recording 541 goals and 926 assists in 1,394 games over parts of 22 seasons. Born in Czecheslovakia in 1940, Mikita moved to St. Catharines, Ont., at a young age and even played junior hockey there. He played two games for Canada at the 1972 Summit Series. Mikita is currently an ambassador for the Blackhawks. "The family of Stan Mikita truly appreciates the support he has received over the many years he has played, worked and lived in the Chicago area," the family said in a statement Friday. "They hope the fans will keep him in their thoughts and prayers and respect his privacy during this difficult time." Lewy body dementia is type of progressive dementia. Symptoms include hallucinations and varied levels of alertness. He was Wayne and Garths favorite. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harvey Specter Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 All the very best to Stan and his family as he battles against dementia. Putting aside team loyalties, I have the utmost respect for him and a definition of class and skill, a truly great ambassador to the game we love and for the Blackhawks. I would rank him up there with Howe, Beliveau, Rocket Richard, Sakic, Yzerman, among other classy greats . Alongside with Hull, he was notorious for using a curved stick (sly men! ) to be advantageous, but that certainly influenced the way we look at equipment nowadays so you have to admire their ambition. Best of luck in your battle Stan Mikita! We are behind you in your road to recovery. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gurn Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 Damn, what a vicious disease. The three things that scare me most Dementia Alzheimer's Stroke Hoping by the time my age is up there, medicine will have found a cure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
c00kies Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 Damn, what a vicious disease. The three things that scare me most Dementia Alzheimer's Stroke Hoping by the time my age is up there, medicine will have found a cure. Alzheimer's is a form of dementia. I don't think dementia is even a disorder, but a set of symptoms. The worst thing about strokes is that the accumulation of small, practically unnoticeable ones can lead to another form of dementia. I saw Alzheimer's deteriorate a brilliant man (knew 7 languages, played multiple instruments by ear, and was crazy smart in sciences and maths) into such a simple, dependent person. I hope I don't get the early onset variety, because people are still dependent on you in your 40s. I'm probably not helping, but I definitely understand your fears. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-DLC- Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 Read this yesterday and what hits home is that our hockey heroes from the past are all slowly fading out. The legends. My Mom suffered an aneurysm, stroke then brain cancer that finally took her. Things that deteriorate the brain are so extremely painful to watch, as they strip away any form of independence and dignity. You watch people as their bodies are still there before you but they are "gone" and it's a vacant shell. Just awful. The thing is, it is so incredibly difficult for loved ones and they need support as well. May his family find strength and he comfort. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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