Speculations about the health of current US President Joe Biden have been circulating in the media since yesterday. And although they were often fueled by political competition, now the visit of a Parkinson’s specialist to the White House is making headlines…
The New York Times reported, citing official visitor logs, that a Parkinson’s expert had visited the White House eight times since last summer. The newspaper also said it was unclear whether the doctor from Walter Reed Military Hospital was at government headquarters specifically to see the president or whether he was there for other purposes.
Speculations about the state of health
Accordingly, the expert himself states that he worked as a “neurological advisor to the White House Medical Department and physician to the president” from 2012 to 2022. According to the newspaper, documents show that the expert also visited the White House during this period.
Biden’s spokeswoman dodged questions about this on Monday night, but stressed that the US president is not being treated for Parkinson’s. Biden’s personal physician also provided details about the head of state’s health on Tuesday.
“Highly qualified and highly respected neurologist”
Kevin Cannard is the neurological specialist who examines President Biden for each of his routine annual health checkups, Biden’s personal physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, wrote in a letter released by the White House.
Cannard was chosen not because he is a movement disorders specialist, but because he is “a highly qualified and highly respected neurologist.” His “very broad expertise” gives him the flexibility to evaluate a variety of patients and problems.
Biden has “no signs of Parkinson’s”
According to Biden’s physician, O’Connor, the results of Cannard’s neurological exams have been made public each time. In late February, the published health report said Biden had no signs of possible stroke or Parkinson’s and that the president had “no tremors.” “President Biden has not seen a neurologist outside of his annual physical,” O’Connor wrote. Cannard has been a neurological adviser to the White House Medical Unit since 2012.
This White House department is responsible for the medical needs of the president, staff and visitors to the White House. Cannard holds regular office hours there. “Seeing patients in the White House is something Dr. Cannard has been doing for 12 years.” To protect the privacy of patients, the names of the experts would normally not be published. In this case, an exception must be made.
Pressure on US presidents is mounting
The 81-year-old Biden has faced increasing questions about his mental fitness since his TV debacle against Republican challenger Donald Trump. He is also under pressure within the Democratic Party. There is debate in the US about whether Biden is really the right Democratic presidential candidate for the November elections because of his advanced age. Biden rejects all doubts. He refuses a cognitive health test to determine his mental abilities. His spokeswoman Jean-Pierre also emphasized again that they saw no reason for this.
The White House’s current move is unusual and reflects the pressure now on. The purpose of publishing the details is likely to dispel speculation that Biden may have Parkinson’s disease. “Has the president been treated for Parkinson’s disease? No. Is he being treated for Parkinson’s disease? No, he won’t be. Is he taking medication for Parkinson’s disease? No,” Jean-Pierre said at the news conference.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
