Dr. Thomas Vosburgh has opened a contentious debate regarding the health of President Joe Biden.
According to Newsweek, Vosburgh, a neurologist and psychiatrist, suggested the president might exhibit early signs of Parkinson's disease yet maintains he can still serve effectively.
This revelation stems from a July 10 letter to The New York Times in which Vosburgh countered calls for Biden to quit the presidential race without seeing indications of cognitive decline.
Vosburgh made his remarks following a turbulent period for the president. Following a CNN debate on June 27, Biden, who is 81, faced pressure to end his reelection bid. Multiple Democratic lawmakers echoed concerns about his age, urging him to withdraw.
Despite these pressures, President Biden has insisted on continuing his campaign. Vosburgh emphasized that Biden's supposed symptoms do not imply a necessity to leave the race or have any significant impact on his mental faculties.
"There seems to be some evidence that the president may be experiencing the onset of Parkinson's syndrome," wrote Vosburgh. He pointed out that symptoms of Parkinson's do not necessarily indicate any cognitive issues.
White House physician Dr. Kevin O'Connor joined the discourse, refuting any claims about Biden having signs of Parkinson's. In his letter dated July 8, Dr. O'Connor detailed that Biden’s latest physical examination in February showed no signs of any neurological disorder.
O'Connor clarified, "no indication of cerebellar or other central neurological disorders," emphasizing the thoroughness of Biden's health check-ups. Dr. Kevin Cannard, who has examined Biden annually, confirmed similar findings. Furthermore, Vosburgh argued that Biden appears sharp, with reports from his colleagues stating his mental clarity remains intact.
The Mayo Clinic provides an understanding of Parkinson's disease, describing it as a progressive disorder affecting the nervous system. Symptoms such as tremors and stiffness are often visible, yet Vosburgh reiterated these are not necessarily indicative of cognitive decline.
Vosburgh emphasized that the president's public appearances should not be misinterpreted as diminished mental capacity. "The way Mr. Biden appears in interviews, debates, and speeches need not be an indication of his cognitive ability at all," he stated.
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre also addressed the media, insisting no evidence supports claims of Biden having any neurological disorders. She added, "The president has seen a neurologist three times," reiterating the absence of findings consistent with these diseases.
Newsweek reached out to the White House for comments following these statements, seeking further clarifications on Biden's health. In a heated press conference with CBS News correspondent Ed O'Keefe, questions about Dr. Cannard's involvement in Biden's health assessments were addressed.
Dr. Thomas Vosburgh suggested President Joe Biden may demonstrate early signs of Parkinson's disease without cognitive decline, countering calls for Biden to exit the presidential race. Despite concerns from Democratic lawmakers, White House physician Dr. Kevin O'Connor refuted claims of any neurological disorder in Biden. Vosburgh emphasized that physical symptoms do not reflect mental acuity, defending Biden's competence while facing skepticism about his health.
