President Joe Biden President Trump was seen boarding Air Force One in Delaware on Tuesday, making his first public appearance since being diagnosed with COVID-19 on July 17.
The president is scheduled to travel to Washington, D.C., to address the American people on Wednesday evening.
Biden’s physician, Dr. Kevin C. O’Connor, provided an update on the president’s health on Monday, July 22, saying the president had completed his 10th dose of Paxlovidone and was “almost completely resolved” from his symptoms.
Doctors express concern about Biden’s apparent cognitive impairment during debate: ‘Worrying signs’
The new emphasis has been on President’s Health President Trump has been experiencing physical and cognitive decline in recent weeks, beginning with his concerning performance at the presidential debate on June 27 and culminating in his announcement on July 21 that he was ending his re-election campaign.
Cognitive concerns
During the first 2024 presidential debate, Biden’s train of thought seemed unclear and incoherent, leading many Americans, even some traditional Democratic allies, to question whether he was mentally fit for the presidency.
On July 23, 2024, President Biden departed from Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware and boarded Air Force One. (SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)
“President Biden’s [the] The controversy centered on his cognitive abilities and overall Leadership skills“It’s a very real opportunity for us to get better at this,” Dr. Brett Osborne, a Florida neurosurgeon who specializes in cognitive function, told Fox News Digital after the debate.
“Biden struggled to maintain a coherent speech, frequently lost his train of thought mid-sentence and provided vague, incoherent and indecipherable answers to highly critical questions,” Osborne said in her expert opinion.
After Biden drops out of the race, doctors reveal why the decision was in his health’s best interest
The doctor, who has never treated the president, said Biden’s frequent silences, lack of words and reliance on notes were also of concern.
“President Biden lacks the mental acuity necessary to hold the nation’s highest office…in particular [today’s] “We are doing our best to address the current national and international crisis,” Osborne said.
The neurosurgeon also said the 46th president Multiple surgeries In the case of cerebral aneurysm.
U.S. President Joe Biden gestures as he boards Air Force One at Dover Air Force Base, Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in Dover, Delaware. (Ken Cedeno/Reuters)
There’s a famous saying in neurosurgery, Osborn noted: “When air hits your brain, you’re never the same person again.”
The doctor said, “At the time of his inauguration in 2020, he was likely suffering from mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This is Alzheimer’s diseaseand potentially parkinsonism (not necessarily Parkinson’s disease itself).”
What role will health play in Biden’s exit?
After Biden announced Sunday that he was dropping out of the 2024 presidential race, doctors weighed in on what the move means for his ongoing cognitive health.
Osborne said Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race seemed wise, given signs of Biden’s “cognitive decline.”
Joe Biden contracted COVID-19 at age 81: What you need to know about the virus’s risks to older adults
“By stepping down, President Biden Prioritize your health “This could potentially mitigate further cognitive decline, while ensuring that leadership roles are filled by individuals who are fully capable of meeting the demanding responsibilities of the position.”
Dr. Mark Siegel, Clinical Professor of Medicine NYU Langone Medical Center The Fox News medical correspondent also told Fox News Digital that he thinks Biden’s decision may be in the best interest of the president’s health.
During the first 2024 presidential debate, Biden’s train of thought appeared unclear and incoherent, leading many Americans to question his mental fitness. (Andrew Caballero Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)
“The stress of the race could have definitely worsened his cognitive function, but if he had cognitive problems they would have progressed anyway and physical fitness is a big concern,” the doctor told Fox News Digital on Sunday.
Siegel has said multiple times that he cannot provide a definitive diagnosis because he has not examined or treated the president.
COVID positive
The president tested positive About COVID-19 The spread of COVID-19 was announced on July 17, raising concerns about the risk of the virus to older adults.
The White House announced that Biden had tested positive for COVID-19 and said the president had received a vaccine and a booster shot and was “experiencing mild symptoms.”
Dr. Marc Siegel (right) appeared on “Fox & Friends” on Friday, June 28, to discuss concerns raised by Biden’s performance during the June 27 presidential debate with former President Donald Trump. (Kevin D. Lyles for The Washington Post, Fox News via Getty Images)
His upper respiratory symptoms included “runny nose, dry cough and general fatigue,” according to a statement on the White House website.
Doctors have expressed concern about the long-term effects COVID-19 could have on Biden.
CDC recommends booster COVID vaccine doses for adults 65 and older
“Post-Covid syndrome and long Covid have been shown to impact underlying neurological conditions,” Siegel warned.
“This could also occur due to a resurgence of COVID-19.”
“By stepping down, President Biden can prioritize his health and potentially mitigate further cognitive decline.”
Osborne noted that the virus can have long-term effects on cognitive function, often referred to as “brain fog.”
“These effects may include impairments in memory, attention and executive function,” he said.
“When someone with pre-existing cognitive problems, like President Biden, becomes infected with COVID-19, neuroinflammation could exacerbate these symptoms and lead to a more rapid decline.”
President Biden descends the steps of Air Force One at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, July 17, 2024. President Biden returned to his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, to self-isolate after testing positive for COVID-19. (Susan Walsh/The Associated Press)
As of July 22, Biden had received his 10th dose of the Paxlovid vaccine.
“He’s made a near complete recovery,” O’Connor, the president’s physician, said at a press conference on July 22.
“Pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate and temperature are completely normal. Oxygen saturation on room air continues to be excellent. Lungs are also clear.”
Health is a qualifying requirement
In addition to fulfilling the formal requirements for the presidency, Siegel and Osborne said that anyone who holds the position must Physically and cognitively healthy.
Click here to get the FOX News app
“This is incredibly important,” Siegel told Fox News Digital. “We are entitled to it as a country.”
Osborne noted that the role of president involves making complex and significant decisions, often under great pressure.
Dr. Brett Osborne, a Florida neurosurgeon who specializes in cognitive function, expressed concerns about Biden’s cognitive abilities. (Dr. Brett Osborne)
“Cognitive health is essential to clear thinking, effective communication and sound decision-making, all of which President Biden lacks,” he said, stating his views.
Osborne said physical fitness is also essential because the job requires long hours, frequent travel and crisis management.
Click here to sign up for our Health Newsletter
“A healthy president is better able to handle the demands of the job and lead the nation effectively through various challenges,” he added.
Following Biden’s announcement that he was dropping out of the race, Siegel said, “This decision Full Health Disclosure“
Doctors are calling for presidential candidates and the current president to undergo thorough medical examinations to ensure they can perform the necessary duties. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images, Andrew Caballero Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images, Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
“They should admit what they know and reveal the full neurological findings,” he said.
Osborne said the situation highlights the need for thorough medical examinations of presidential candidates and sitting presidents to ensure they are able to perform their duties.
“Periodic inspection – Physical and mental “It should be made non-negotiable, not blocked by the ruling party,” he said.
For more health related articles, Fox News
In response to a question from Fox News Digital, the White House press office said “health was not a factor” in the president’s decision to withdraw from the election.
“The President looks forward to completing his term and delivering even more historic accomplishments for the American people,” the White House said in a statement.
