Mental health professionals raise concerns about Donald Trump's cognitive state as the presidential race heats up.
According to The Independent, several leading mental health experts have voiced apprehensions about Donald Trump's cognitive abilities, suggesting he may be experiencing a decline. These concerns mirror those previously expressed about President Joe Biden before he withdrew from the race.
The experts, including a former White House physician, have pointed to Trump's recent public appearances and debate performance as evidence of potential cognitive issues. They note his tendency to ramble, veer off-topic, and make seemingly disconnected statements during speeches and interviews.
Dr. Ben Michaelis, a clinical psychologist who has conducted cognitive assessments for the New York Supreme Court, observed Trump's debate performance against Kamala Harris. He noted that Trump's behavior late in the evening could be indicative of "sundowning," a symptom associated with dementia.
Michaelis explained that individuals experiencing cognitive decline often struggle to maintain focus, especially later in the day. He also highlighted Trump's tendency to jump between unrelated topics during speeches, a behavior he likened to "logorrhoea," which can be associated with dementia.
Professor Allen Frances, chair emeritus of psychiatry at the Duke School of Medicine, expressed similar concerns. He noted a significant change in Trump's behavior since his time in office, describing his recent statements as incoherent and disconnected from reality.
As the November election approaches, there is a growing chorus of mental health professionals advocating for independent and objective cognitive testing of presidential candidates. Dr. Jeffrey Kuhlman, a former White House physician who has cared for multiple presidents, supports this idea.
Kuhlman argues that cognitive assessments would provide a more objective picture of a candidate's mental state. He points out that cognitive decline is common in individuals over 60, with more severe issues like dementia becoming more prevalent in the eighties.
The experts interviewed by The Independent stressed that they had not personally examined Trump and could not offer a formal diagnosis. However, their observations are based on his public appearances and statements.
The discussion surrounding Trump's cognitive state has reignited debates about implementing age limits for presidential candidates. Several experts, including Dr. Kuhlman, suggest that an upper age limit should be considered if candidates refuse to undergo cognitive assessments.
Kuhlman draws parallels to other professions with age restrictions, such as airline pilots and FBI agents. He argues that the presidency, being one of the most powerful positions in the world, should have similar considerations for public safety.
Frances also supports the idea of an age limit for presidential candidates, citing the potential risks associated with cognitive decline in older individuals holding such a crucial office. The Trump campaign has not yet responded to requests for comment on these concerns. However, Trump has previously insisted that he is "cognitively very strong."
Mental health experts have raised significant concerns about Donald Trump's cognitive state as the presidential race intensifies. Their observations include instances of incoherent speech, tangential thinking, and difficulty maintaining focus during public appearances. These concerns have led to calls for mandatory cognitive testing for presidential candidates and debates about implementing age limits for the office. As the election approaches, the discussion surrounding candidates' mental fitness is likely to remain a crucial topic.
