Biden's personal physician speaks out
A press conference at the White House took place regarding: Why did a Parkinson specialist visit the White House eight times in a year? Biden's spokesperson denies that the US President is suffering from the disease. However, she avoids answering questions about it. Shortly afterwards, Biden's doctor speaks up.
Dr. Kevin Cannard, the neurological specialist who examines Biden for his annual health checks, was identified by name in a statement from the White House. In a letter made public by the White House, Biden's personal physician, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, wrote that Cannard was not selected because he is a specialist in movement disorders, but because he is a "highly qualified and respected neurologist." His "broad medical knowledge" gives him the flexibility to evaluate a wide range of patients and issues.
Previously, there was a heated debate during the daily press conference at the White House between the attending journalists and Biden's spokesperson, Karine Jean-Pierre, about why the neurological specialist had been regularly visiting the White House in recent months. "Is the President being treated for Parkinson's? No. Is he being treated for Parkinson's? No. Is he taking Parkinson's medication? No," Jean-Pierre said at the press briefing.
"It doesn't matter how much you press me, it doesn't matter how angry you are," the spokesperson said in response to multiple questions about the visits. "We cannot name the specialists, from the dermatologist to the neurologist." The "New York Times" reported, citing official visitor protocols, that Cannard had visited the government complex eight times since the previous summer.
Great Pressure on the White House
The fact that the White House is now disclosing further details is unusual and shows how much pressure there is now. The disclosure was likely intended to put an end to speculation about a possible Parkinson's diagnosis for Biden.
According to O'Connor, the results of Cannard's neurological examination have always been made public. According to the public health report released at the end of February, Biden showed no signs of possible strokes or Parkinson's disease and had no tremors. "President Biden has seen no neurologist outside of his annual check-ups," O'Connor added further.
Cannard has been the neurological advisor to the medical unit at the White House 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 at the White House is something Dr. Cannard has been doing for over a decade." To protect the privacy of patients, the names of experts are usually not made public. In this case, an exception is being made.
Biden in Crisis Mode since TV Debacle
Since the TV debacle, Biden has been in crisis mode.
The 81-year-old Biden has been facing increasing questions about his mental fitness from both Republicans and within the Democratic Party following his TV debacle against Republican challenger Donald Trump. In the US, there are discussions about whether Biden is the right presidential candidate for the Democrats in the November election due to his advanced age. Biden dismisses all doubts. He refuses to take a cognitive fitness test to assess his mental abilities. His press secretary Jean-Pierre also reiterated this.
Parkinson's is a nerve-related movement disorder that primarily affects older people. The cause of this condition, also known as tremors, is the death of nerve cells in the brain. They then no longer produce dopamine, which the body normally uses to control movements. Numerous complications result: tremors, stiff muscles, and gait and balance disorders. In addition, there is a soft and monotone speech and a rigid facial expression.
Despite the White House's initial denial and avoidance of discussing Joe Biden's frequent visits to a Parkinson's specialist, Dr. Kevin Cannard, it was later revealed that Cannard is a highly respected neurologist who examines Biden annually due to his broad medical knowledge.
Amidst increasing questions about Biden's mental fitness following a TV debacle, the White House is under pressure to address rumors of Biden's possible Parkinson's diagnosis, prompting the disclosure of details about Cannard's visits and Biden's health reports.
