Concerns Raised Over Biden’s Cognitive Health Tests
WASHINGTON – A former doctor for President Barack Obama believes that President Joe Biden’s medical team should have conducted multiple neurocognitive tests during his presidency.
Dr. Jeffrey Courman, who was Obama’s physician from 2009 to 2013, emphasized in a Saturday phone interview that all politicians over the age of 70 should undergo annual mental exams and share those results publicly.
“It’s essential—especially when you have a 78-year-old candidate like Trump and an 82-year-old president like Biden,” Courman mentioned. He has advocated for such evaluations for nearly a year, having previously voiced his thoughts in a New York Times op-ed.
He pointed out that Biden’s physical exams did not include neurocognitive evaluations, unlike Trump, who took the Montreal cognitive assessment during his presidency. This test, a brief screening that consists of around 30 questions, aims to identify dementia indicators.
“There’s no doubt President Trump took it,” Courman remarked on the test, suggesting that the current administration should share any relevant CT scan results, particularly one taken following a 2023 incident involving a Republican candidate.
Courman added that the Montreal assessment alone isn’t sufficient to diagnose serious cognitive issues, highlighting that factors like cancer and heart health should also be considered when evaluating a president’s overall health.
Notably, Biden’s cognitive capabilities tend to decline as one ages, especially around 60, affecting memory, processing speed, and spatial awareness.
Dr. Kevin O’Connor, who served as Biden’s physician during his administration, previously worked alongside Courman in the White House medical unit.
Although Courman expressed respect for O’Connor’s medical expertise, he also noted, “Those closest to a tree may miss the broader picture.”
In his one public interview during Biden’s presidency, O’Connor insisted in July 2024 that the president’s cognitive health was “excellent.” However, Biden’s medical reports have often focused on physical health concerns without thoroughly addressing cognitive assessments.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre argued in a February briefing that cognitive testing was unnecessary, claiming the president passes daily tests of cognitive function.
Records show that Biden has consulted with Dr. Kevin Cannard, a Parkinson’s expert, but O’Connor described this as part of Biden’s routine physical check-ups.
O’Connor denied a Parkinson’s diagnosis following these assessments, yet some medical professionals remain skeptical. Neurologist Dr. Tom Pitts pointed out potential signs of Parkinson’s in Biden’s movements and posture.
Furthermore, the House Oversight Committee, led by Republicans, requested O’Connor’s testimony regarding Biden’s mental state, suggesting that financial ties to the Biden family may have influenced his medical evaluations.
Amid claims of a cover-up about his health, Biden recently revealed he was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer shortly before the publication of a critical book discussing his administration.
According to co-authors Jake Tupper and Alex Thompson, Dr. O’Connor seemed hesitant to conduct cognitive assessments during Biden’s time in office.
Courman voiced hope that O’Connor maintains a transparent dialogue with Biden about his cognitive health and that these discussions are documented in his medical records.
