Pat Summitt’s Family: ‘Past Few Days Have Been Difficult’

Former Tennessee Lady Volunteers Head Coach Pat Summitt was diagnosed with early onset dementia, ‘Alzheimer’s Type,’ in 2011 and her condition has worsened. Summitt’s family released a statement today via The Pat Summitt Foundation saying that the “past few days have been difficult” for the legendary coach and “she is surrounded by those who mean the most to her.”

On behalf of Pat Summitt’s family, we acknowledge the past few days have been difficult for Pat as her early onset dementia, ‘Alzheimer’s Type,’ progresses. She is surrounded by those who mean the most to her and during this time, we ask for prayers for Pat and her family and friends, as well as your utmost respect and privacy. Thank you.

 

Erin Freeman, on behalf of the Pat Summitt family

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Former University of Tennessee women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt is “struggling” and those close to her are “preparing for the worst,” a source involved in the situation confirmed Sunday morning.

 

“I don’t think anybody knows whether she will last a day, a month, or a year,” the source said.

 

Summitt announced in August 2011 that she had been diagnosed with early onset dementia, Alzheimer’s type.

 

As of late Saturday, Summitt, 64, had not been moved from the retirement center where she has been living since late January.

 

Summitt’s family and some former players were with her Saturday, and preparations were being made to make public statements on her condition when necessary.