President Biden has consistently brushed aside any questions regarding his health and cognitive fitness, declaring he’s “not going anywhere” and feels “just fine.” Despite these assurances, observations from medical professionals following the June 27 debate are painting a different picture, sparking concerns about Biden’s diagnosis.
While remote diagnosis is inherently speculative, several doctors who watched President Biden’s debate performance have voiced worries about his well-being. One physician, who contacted the author, expressed certainty that Biden is exhibiting signs of a movement disorder, a condition with no known cure. These medical opinions, coming from experienced professionals, suggest that the concerns go beyond typical aging and point towards a potentially serious underlying medical issue requiring further attention and, potentially, a clear Biden diagnosis.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that diagnosing a patient without direct examination is speculative. However, the consensus among the doctors who reached out is that President Biden’s condition appears to be more than just the natural effects of aging. They suggest a serious medical condition may be at play, warranting a thorough and transparent Biden diagnosis. Neurological movement disorders, unlike dementia, can often be identified through observation of specific symptoms, making these remote assessments noteworthy.
One doctor stated, “Every physician I have spoken to agrees that Biden has classic symptoms of Parkinson’s.” Another doctor elaborated, pointing to “the masked face, blank expression, stopping as he shuffles along, soft, hoarse speech and stiff arms as he walks — all Parkinson’s” as key indicators observed during the debate. These observations align with recognized symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, raising legitimate questions about Biden’s health and the need for a definitive Biden diagnosis.
Adding weight to these concerns, two neurologists with extensive experience also shared their insights. Their opinions gained further relevance when the New York Times reported that a Parkinson’s specialist had visited the White House multiple times recently. Dr. Michael Mahler, a faculty member at UCLA, noted his observations during the debate, stating, “there were clues to me” that Biden, at 81, was facing more than just typical age-related challenges.
President Biden and former President Trump during the June 27th debate, raising questions about Biden’s possible health condition.
Dr. Mahler highlighted several key signs, beginning with Biden’s entrance onto the stage: “the way he walked onto [the stage], with a very stiff gait. Normally, the way people walk, they swing their arms, and he didn’t have much arm swing.” He further pointed out Biden’s lack of facial expression and infrequent blinking, adding to the cluster of symptoms observed. While emphasizing the need for comprehensive testing for a conclusive Biden diagnosis, Dr. Mahler acknowledged that the observed symptoms fell within the “Parkinsonian” paradigm.
Dr. Jack Florin, a neurologist with 50 years of practice, corroborated these observations, stating he had noticed signs of a progressive movement disorder in President Biden for several years, which were particularly pronounced during the debate. Dr. Florin went further, suggesting a specific diagnosis: progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a Parkinson’s variant. He drew a comparison to Linda Ronstadt and Dudley Moore, who also suffered from PSP.
Dr. Florin explained that PSP affects eye movement, leading to a “fixed stare” as patients struggle to move their eyes side to side, a symptom he observed in Biden. Other symptoms of PSP, according to Dr. Florin, that appeared to be present in Biden included “low volume and rapid speech with loss of normal rhythm” and “episodes of sudden forced eye closure,” known as blepharospasm. These detailed observations from an experienced neurologist contribute significantly to the growing concerns surrounding Biden’s diagnosis.
Regarding Biden’s stiff gait, Dr. Florin differentiated it from typical Parkinson’s disease. “He doesn’t have idiopathic Parkinson’s… People are stooped, often they have a tremor… He doesn’t have that,” Dr. Florin clarified. He believes Biden’s symptoms are more indicative of PSP, which he described as “progressive, incurable and untreatable.” Dr. Florin warned of the potential progression of PSP, leading to postural instability, increased risk of falls, and eventual wheelchair confinement, underscoring the seriousness of a potential Biden diagnosis of PSP.
While Parkinson’s and PSP were prominent concerns, two other doctors suggested an alternative or contributing factor: medication side effects. Dr. Laura Mosqueda, a USC geriatrician, cautioned against jumping to conclusions based solely on age. “I don’t think this is about his age. It’s about — does he have a medical problem we ought to be aware of?” she stated, emphasizing the need to investigate any underlying medical conditions, regardless of age. She raised the possibility that medication could be contributing to the observed symptoms, highlighting the complexity of arriving at an accurate Biden diagnosis.
As the presidential election approaches, the question of President Biden’s health becomes increasingly pertinent. While Donald Trump also faces scrutiny regarding his age and health, the concerns surrounding Biden’s physical presentation and potential movement disorder have intensified following the debate. The call for transparency regarding Biden’s health is growing louder.
President Biden owes it to the voters and his party to undergo a comprehensive physical, cognitive, and neurological evaluation and to publicly release the findings. Addressing any potential health issues with courage and transparency is crucial for both President Biden and the nation. The focus should be on obtaining a clear and accurate Biden diagnosis to inform voters and ensure the well-being of the President and the country.
