Wild speculation about health Joe Biden's doctor speaks out
The "New York Times" writes about a Parkinson's specialist who regularly visits the White House. Biden's spokeswoman does not want to explain this. Now Biden's doctor is trying to clarify the situation.
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- After unanswered questions about visits to the White House by a specialist for Parkinson's disease, US President Joe Biden 's doctor is making details public.
- Dr. Kevin Cannard is the neurological specialist who examines President Biden for each of his annual routine health checks, Biden's personal physician Kevin O'Connor wrote in a letter published by the White House.
- According to O'Connor, the results of Cannard's neurological examination have been made public each time.
- At the end of February, the published health report stated that there were no signs of possible strokes or Parkinson's disease in Biden and that the President had "no tremor".
- Since his TV debacle against Republican challenger Donald Trump, 81-year-old Biden has had to put up with increasing questions about his mental fitness.
Following unanswered questions about visits to the White House by a specialist for Parkinson's disease, US President Joe Biden 's doctor has made details public. Dr. Kevin Cannard is the neurological specialist who examines President Biden for each of his annual routine health checks, wrote Biden's personal physician Kevin O'Connor in a letter published by the White House. Cannard was not chosen because he is a specialist in movement disorders, but because he is "a highly qualified and highly respected neurologist". His "very broad expertise" gives him the flexibility to evaluate a wide range of patients and problems.
Biden's spokeswoman is put through the wringer at press conference
A heated debate between the journalists present and Biden's spokeswoman, Karine Jean-Pierre, had previously taken place at the daily press conference at the White House. Jean-Pierre refused to give any details as to why Cannard had visited the White House regularly in recent months. The New York Times, citing official visitor logs, wrote that Cannard had been to government headquarters eight times since last summer. "It doesn't matter how hard you push me, it doesn't matter how angry you are with me," the spokeswoman said in response to several inquiries about the visits. "We can't give the names of the specialists, from dermatologists to neurologists."
Expert works in White House medical unit
According to Biden's doctor O'Connor, the results of the neurological examination by Cannard have been made public each time. At the end of February, the published health report stated that there were no signs of possible strokes or Parkinson's disease in Biden and that the president had "no tremor". "President Biden has not seen a neurologist outside of his annual physical," O'Connor continued. Cannard has been a neurological advisor to the White House Medical Unit since 2012.
This department of the White House is responsible for the medical needs of the president, staff and visitors to the White House. Cannard holds regular consultations there. "Seeing patients at the White House is something Dr. Cannard has been doing for a dozen years." In order to protect the privacy of patients, the names of experts are not normally published. In this case, an exception is being made.
Biden in crisis mode since TV debacle
Since his TV debacle against Republican challenger Donald Trump, 81-year-old Biden has had to put up with increasing questions about his mental fitness. He has also come under pressure in the Democratic Party. There is a debate in the USA as to whether Biden is really the right Democratic presidential candidate for the election in November due to his advanced age. Biden rejects any doubts. He rejects a cognitive health test on his mental abilities. His spokeswoman Jean-Pierre also emphasized once again that there was no reason to do so.
The latest move by the White House is unusual and shows just how much pressure there is now. The aim of publishing the details is likely to be to dispel speculation that Biden may be suffering from Parkinson's disease. "Has the President been treated for Parkinson's? No. Is he being treated for Parkinson's? No, he is not. Is he taking medication for Parkinson's? No," Jean-Pierre said at the press briefing.
Biden's last health report was published around four months ago. (archive picture)
Image: dpa
Biden's spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre does not answer questions from the press.
Image: dpa
According to Biden's doctor O'Connor, the results of the neurological examination by Cannard have always been made public.
Image: dpa
Biden's doctor explains that specialist Cannard has "very broad expertise".
Image: dpa
Biden's last health report was published around four months ago. (archive picture)
Image: dpa
Biden's spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre does not answer questions from the press.
Image: dpa
According to Biden's doctor O'Connor, the results of the neurological examination by Cannard have always been made public.
Image: dpa
Biden's doctor explains that specialist Cannard has "very broad expertise".
Image: dpa
Disease of the nervous system
Parkinson's is a nerve-related movement disorder that mainly affects older people. The disease, also known as shaking palsy, is caused by the death of nerve cells in the brain. They then no longer produce dopamine, which the body normally uses to control movement. Numerous disorders are the result: trembling, tense muscles as well as gait and balance disorders. In addition, speech becomes quiet and monotonous and facial expressions become rigid.
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