Dr. Jeffrey Kuhlman, a former White House physician to ex-President Barack Obama, has voiced his concerns regarding neurocognitive evaluations of President Joe Biden, questioning whether proper tests were administered during his time in office.
Despite undergoing thorough physical examinations, Biden's lack of detailed neurocognitive testing has raised concerns about his cognitive health among experts and political figures, including Dr. Kuhlman, as the Daily Mail reports.
Kuhlman, who previously served as the chief medical officer to Obama, expressed his belief that Biden should have been subjected to yearly neurocognitive assessments. Despite his age and the stress associated with the presidency, only physical evaluations were performed, omitting assessments like the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), which Kuhlman deems crucial for elderly leaders.
Dr. Kevin O'Connor, who currently oversees Biden's medical care, also chose not to conduct formal cognitive tests during the duration of his patient's presidency. In June 2024, Biden's debate performance against Donald Trump raised eyebrows, ultimately ending his campaign for re-election and intensifying concerns about his cognitive health.
Amid these developments, the White House defended Biden, asserting that he was "fit for duty." However, Kuhlman’s remarks have prompted further scrutiny of these statements. Notably, White House records revealed that Biden consulted with Dr. Kevin Cannard, a specialist in Parkinson’s disease, in early 2024.
Further doubts emerged when former special counsel Robert Hur decided against recommending charges against Biden over the mishandling of classified documents, citing his failing memory and elderly status. Furthermore, the House Oversight Committee under chair James Comer is actively demanding testimony regarding Biden's cognitive capabilities.
Comer’s initiative has been fueled by suspicion over possible monetary connections between Biden's physician, Dr. O'Connor, and the Biden family, potentially indicating an attempt to veil the president's mental health issues. Meanwhile, former Biden White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre could testify as she continues promoting a book on the prior administration’s challenges.
A recently published book by journalists Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson intensifies claims of a possible cover-up regarding Biden's cognitive deterioration. The release of this book coincided with Biden’s announcement of his prostate cancer diagnosis, which has led to questions about the thoroughness and transparency of his health assessments. Kuhlman criticized the potential omission of certain cancer-related examinations, which might have been considered important for a man of Biden's age and status.
Kuhlman also argued that both Trump and Biden, due to their advanced ages, could benefit from neurocognitive assessments. He said, “Sometimes those closest to the tree miss the forest," implying that those nearest to the president might overlook signs of mental decline that might be evident to external observers. A neurologist, Dr. Tom Pitts, shared similar sentiments, noting that he might have been able to discern cognitive issues from a distance.
Kuhlman further articulated that President Biden should have had annual conversations with his physician, emphasizing the importance of documenting any potential cognitive decline in medical records. He has also expressed dissatisfaction with the decision to withhold PSA testing data from the public.
In an era where the mental and physical health of leaders is under close scrutiny, these revelations regarding Biden's cognitive evaluations have stirred a public debate on the transparency and rigor of medical assessments for high-ranking officials.
The details surrounding President Biden’s health and the decisions made by his medical team continue to foster widespread discussion and concern about the information available to the public. As conversations proceed within political and medical communities, the need for transparent disclosure of health evaluations remains a significant issue, warranting careful consideration and action moving forward.
The importance of thorough cognitive evaluations is now under the spotlight, reigniting discussions about the procedures required to adequately assess and ensure the mental fitness of those serving at the highest level of government.
