Debate about age - Speculation about health: Biden's doctor speaks out
In response to open questions regarding President Joe Biden's visits to a Parkinson specialist at the White House, Dr. Kevin Cannard, the White House physician, has made details public. According to a letter from Biden's personal physician, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, released by the White House, Cannard has been Biden's neurologist for all of his annual health checks. Cannard was not chosen because he is a specialist in movement disorders but because he is a "highly qualified and highly respected neurologist." His "broad knowledge" gives him the flexibility to evaluate a wide range of patients and issues.
Jean-Pierre, Biden's press secretary, was taken to task during a press conference at the White House
Previously, there was a heated debate during the daily press conference at the White House between the attending journalists and Jean-Pierre about Cannard's frequent visits to the White House in recent months. Jean-Pierre refused to comment on the reason for Cannard's visits. The "New York Times" reported, citing official visitor protocols, that Cannard had visited the government complex eight times since the previous summer. "It doesn't matter how much you press me, it doesn't matter how angry you are," said the press secretary in response to multiple inquiries about the visits. "We cannot disclose the names of specialists, from dermatologists to neurologists."
Expert works in the White House Medical Unit
According to O'Connor's statement, the results of Cannard's neurological examinations have always been made public. At the end of February, it was reported in the publicly released health report that there were no signs of possible strokes or Parkinson's disease in Biden, and the President "did not show any tremors." "President Biden has seen no neurologist outside of his annual check-ups," wrote O'Connor further. Cannard has been the neurological advisor to the White House Medical Unit since 2012.
This White House department is responsible for the medical needs of the President, staff, and visitors of 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 disclosed. In this case, an exception is being made.
Biden in crisis mode since TV debacle
The 81-year-old Biden has been facing increasing questions about his mental fitness since his TV debate with Republican challenger Donald Trump. Even within the Democratic Party, there is pressure on him. In the United States, discussions are taking place about whether Biden, due to his advanced age, is the right Democratic presidential candidate for the November election. 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.
The current step of the White House is unusual and shows how great the pressure has become. The disclosure of these details was likely intended to put an end to speculation about a possible Parkinson's disease in Biden. "Is the President being treated for Parkinson's? No. Is he being treated for Parkinson's? No, he is not. Does he take Parkinson's medication? No," said Jean-Pierre during the press briefing.
Condition of the Nervous System
Parkinson is a nervous condition movement disorder, primarily affecting older people. Cause of this condition, also known as Shaking Palsy, is the death of nerve cells in the brain. They then produce no Dopamine anymore, with which the body normally regulates movements. Numerous disturbances follow: tremors, tense muscles, as well as gait and balance disorders. In addition, a soft and monotonous speech, as well as a rigid facial expression.
- The US President, Joe Biden, has been visiting a neurologist at the White House, Dr. Kevin Cannard, for his annual health checks.
- The speculation surrounding Biden's frequent visits to Cannard, a neurologist, led to a heated debate during a White House press conference with press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
- The White House released a letter from Biden's personal physician, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, stating that Cannard has been the President's neurological advisor to the White House Medical Unit since 2012.
- Despite multiple inquiries, Jean-Pierre refused to comment on the reason for Cannard's visits, citing privacy concerns for specialists, including neurologists.
- The New York Times reported that Cannard had visited the government complex eight times since the previous summer, fueling rumors and speculation about Biden's health, particularly regarding potential Parkinson's disease or medication.
