Stan Mikita, Blackhawks Hall of Famer, diagnosed with brain disorder

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The family of Chicago Blackhawks Hall of Famer Stan Mikita says he has been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, a brain disorder.

The disorder has been described as a coming together of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

Mikita, 74, was the greatest center of the 1960s; a playmaking wiz and innovator who led Blackhawks to consistent success - if just one Stanley Cup - in an era when the league was much smaller.

"People do have memory problems with Lewy Body, but they also have other features that are not common to Alzheimer's disease," said Dr. James Mastrianni, a neurologist, University of Chicago. "Very often they have Parkinsonian features."

Fans outside the Blackhawks store were stunned to hear the news.

"I think it's very very tragic, the guy is a sports icon and I was very sorry to hear about it," said Bob Jewell, a fan.

In 2011, Mikita - nicknamed Stash - had a bout with oral cancer. By 2013, when the team for which he's a goodwill ambassador won the Stanley Cup, he had beaten the disease and was focused on hockey.

Now, he and his family will be challenged every day to retain their quality of life.

"Some people will have good days and bad days, so we see bigger fluctuations in how people are thinking," Dr. Mastrianni said. "So they might have a day where they're really foggy, can't concentrate or focus on things, and then the next day they're very sharp."

And that hidden impact of mental illness is on the minds of others who cherish number 21.

"They don't know if it's genetic or where it comes from and it's a hard disease to deal with, so my heart goes out to him," said Stevie Gillson, a fan.