Questions about President Biden's health, specifically whether he has been treated or evaluated for Parkinson's disease, have surfaced recently.
ABC News reported that the White House has denied these claims despite multiple visits by a neurologist specializing in movement disorders.
Dr. Kevin Cannard, a neurologist specializing in movement disorders at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, has visited the White House eight times between July 2023 and March 2024.
Before July 2023, Dr. Cannard had only visited the White House once, in November 2022.
These visits have sparked speculation about President Biden's health, particularly regarding potential Parkinson's disease treatment. The White House has not confirmed if Dr. Cannard was advising on President Biden's personal care.
Dr. Cannard also visited President Biden's personal physician, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, during one of his visits. However, the White House emphasized that various specialists from Walter Reed treat military personnel who work at the White House complex.
In a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was clear in stating that President Biden is not being treated for Parkinson's disease. She cited privacy concerns and did not confirm if Dr. Cannard had evaluated or consulted on the President's health.
President Biden underwent a detailed neurological exam as part of his annual physical in February 2024. The exam found no signs of Parkinson's disease or other central neurological disorders. The report, summarized by Dr. Kevin O'Connor, stated, "There were no findings which would be consistent with any cerebellar or other central neurological disorder."
At 81 years old, Biden was deemed fit for duty, performing all responsibilities without exemptions or accommodations. Jean-Pierre referenced Biden’s three previous physicals, reiterating that there were no findings consistent with Parkinson's or neurological diseases.
In an interview, Biden confirmed that his doctors have not recommended any cognitive testing. He claimed that he passes a cognitive test daily through his activities. However, when asked whether he would take a cognitive test and release the results publicly, Biden did not commit to doing so.
Concerns about the president’s ability to maintain his schedule and responsibilities have been expressed by some NATO leaders and an informal advisor to the Biden administration. The advisor commented on Biden's decreasing energy levels and slower processing abilities.
The advisor stated, "He's getting slower; he's having a harder time hearing; he's having a harder time processing. He doesn't have the energy he used to." These observations have led to concerns about Biden’s ability to run a presidential schedule, which requires constant alertness.
Biden responded to these concerns by urging people to watch his actions during the campaign. "Watch me between -- there's a lotta time left in this campaign," he said, emphasizing his ongoing capability to fulfill his duties.
The White House has reiterated that President Biden is not being treated for Parkinson's disease. Jean-Pierre provided straightforward answers during the press briefing, "Is he being treated for Parkinson's? No, he's not. Is he taking medication for Parkinson's? No."
The official White House statement further clarified that a variety of specialists from Walter Reed visited the White House complex to treat military personnel. This regular interaction between specialists and the White House staff was highlighted to downplay the significance of Dr. Cannard's visits.
Despite the reassurances, the speculation around Biden's health continues, fueled by the frequent visits of a Parkinson's disease expert and concerns from international and internal observers. The administration's refusal to provide detailed information on these visits has only intensified public curiosity.
The recent frequent visits by Dr. Kevin Cannard, an expert in movement disorders, to the White House have led to questions about President Biden's health, particularly concerning Parkinson's disease.
While the White House denies any treatment or evaluation for Parkinson's, Biden's ability to maintain his rigorous schedule has been questioned. The administration has emphasized the routine nature of specialist visits from Walter Reed and reassured the public of Biden's fitness for duty based on his recent and past physical exams.
