Former Sen. Conrad Burns (R-Mont.), 74, has made “slight improvements— since suffering a stroke Wednesday night, according to a statement issued Friday by his son.

Burns, who served in the Senate from 1989 to 2007, was found “disoriented— by his wife Wednesday night at his computer in their home in Arlington, Va. He remains in intensive care at Georgetown University Hospital.

“This has been a difficult time for our family, and the prayers and kind words of encouragement have been a real source of strength and hope. It’s difficult to put into words what the outpouring of love for my dad has meant to us. Folks are reminding us every day about the positive impact he has had on the lives of so many Montanans. We’re very thankful for Dad’s many friends and supporters and we remain optimistic for his recovery,— said Garrett Burns.