Amid his presidential campaign, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s past health struggles, including a brain condition and memory loss, have become focal points of public interest.
The Guardian reported that in 2010, Kennedy faced severe cognitive challenges due to a brain parasite, raising concerns during his current run for the presidency. His symptoms were so severe that they prompted an immediate neurological evaluation.
Neurologists at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, the same doctors who treated his uncle Ted Kennedy, discovered a dark spot on his brain, which was first thought to be a tumor. However, further investigations suggested a different, more unusual cause.
A specialist from the hospital proposed that Kennedy's symptoms might be linked to a parasitic infection in the brain, leading to a shift in the diagnosis away from a tumor.
Around this period, Kennedy was also diagnosed with mercury poisoning, attributed to his frequent consumption of fish. This condition has been known to cause neurological problems similar to those Kennedy was experiencing.
As his condition became clearer, Kennedy underwent treatments that eventually helped him recover from the cognitive impairments, as he later recounted in interviews. His recovery marked a significant turnaround in his health narrative.
Kennedy has faced other health issues over the years, including a longstanding heart condition originating from his college days and spasmodic dysphonia, a voice-affecting neurological disorder.
Kennedy's health struggles spilled over into his personal life, particularly noted during a 2012 divorce deposition where he cited these challenges as detrimental to his earning potential from public speaking.
Furthermore, experts have speculated that the brain parasite could have been a pork tapeworm larva, potentially contracted during Kennedy's travels in southern Asia. This type of parasite can reside in the human brain for extended periods without detection.
Despite the recovery from his cognitive issues, Kennedy described feeling as if there was a "bag of worms" in his chest, illustrating the lingering effects of his condition.
In the current presidential race, questions about Kennedy's health and his capability to handle the presidency have surfaced, with some expressing skepticism. His spokesperson, Stefanie Spear, responded to these doubts by calling them "hilarious," highlighting the age and fitness of other candidates.
Kennedy remains an active campaigner, often comparing his physical condition favorably against other, older presidential contenders. He continues to receive support from various family members and niche political groups.
Despite the controversy, Kennedy has not released his medical records, a decision mirroring the practice of other candidates in this election cycle.
In 2021, seeking further medical improvements, Kennedy traveled to Kyoto, Japan, for a specialized surgical procedure to implant a titanium bridge between his vocal cords—a treatment not available in the United States.
This surgery represents Kennedy's ongoing efforts to manage his health actively and maintain a presence in public life and politics despite his challenges.
Reflecting on the procedure, Kennedy remarked on the necessity of traveling abroad to receive treatments not accessible domestically, highlighting the global disparities in medical technology.
In conclusion, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s health journey is marked by a series of significant challenges, from severe memory loss and a brain parasite diagnosis to his proactive steps in managing a heart condition and neurological disorders. These experiences have shaped not only his personal resilience but also his public persona as he campaigns for the U.S. presidency. Despite skepticism regarding his health, Kennedy's campaign continues to highlight his recovery and readiness to compete on the national political stage.
