Pat Summitt diagnosed with dementia

[Amy in AZ.]

Tennessee women's basketball coach Pat Summitt has been diagnosed with dementia.
The 59-year-old Summitt went to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. earlier this year where a battery of tests revealed she had early onset dementia. The Knoxville News Sentinel was first to report Summitt's diagnosis.
In a university statement, Summitt said she plans to coach the Lady Vols this coming season, but may have some "limitations." Former players are flying in to show their support.


Read more: Pat Summitt diagnosed with dementia, plans to coach this season - NCAA Basketball - SI.com

 

[chinamigarden]

This is incredible to me, 59 and she has this. My mother was closer to 80 when it struck her, I couldn't imagine such a young person suffering with this.

 

[Amy in AZ.]

Here's a very nice article. And by the way, I am 57.

Tennessee Lady Vols coach Pat Summitt won't lack for support as she battles dementia - Kelli Anderson - SI.com

 

[SoftSocDad]

I don't know that one exactly 'battles' dementia (poor headline title), but my money says Coach Summitt will continue to be a force on the sidelines - and the speaking circuit - for many years to come. Few people have a presence as commanding yet sincere as she does, and I don't expect that to change anytime soon. She's extremely well-respected in coaching circles (by everyone except little Geno!), but I hope no one is writing her off just yet, because she's far from done.

 

[Bouldersdad]

This is incredible to me, 59 and she has this. My mother was closer to 80 when it struck her, I couldn't imagine such a young person suffering with this.

My mother had it at 61 it does come at earlier ages to some people. Especially if they have a family medical history of it. Nasty stuff. I wish Coach the best.

Tim

 

[obbay]

I hate to hear of anyone getting Alzheimer's (or anything like it).

Hopefully Coach Summit's strong personality will help keep the effects at bay. from my limited experience with demntia in loved ones, her coaching may not suffer so much as her life between games. Look how long Ronald Reagan kept things under wraps before announcing his condition publicly. knock on wood, this is something she'll be able to work with due in part to the early diagnosis.

 

[andyh64000]

My stepmother has Alzheimer's and her decline was shocking. 5 years ago there was no hint that anything was wrong...2 years ago she couldn't remember what she ordered at dinner by the time it came. Last year she couldn't remember anyone's name...this year she can't remember anyone . She is in her late 60s though so hopefully Pat Summit will respond better to treatment.