In an exclusive report by Fox News, two medical professionals have weighed in on President Joe Biden's recent decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, suggesting that the move could be linked to concerns over his cognitive health.
This development follows a series of events that raised questions about the President's mental acuity, including a widely criticized debate performance in June, where Biden appeared to struggle with coherence and clarity of thought.
"President Biden has shown signs of cognitive impairment for many years," stated Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida-based neurosurgeon specializing in cognitive function, in an interview with Fox News Digital. Although he has not personally treated Biden, Dr. Osborn suggested that the President may have been suffering from mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a precursor to Alzheimers disease and potentially Parkinsonism, when he assumed office in 2020. "And he has only deteriorated since then, as is typical of those with neurodegenerative diseases," he added.
Dr. Osborn further opined that given the apparent decline in his cognitive health, Biden's decision to step down from the race was a prudent one. "In my opinion, he is unfit to run the country and is unsuitable for his duties as commander-in-chief," he stated. He suggested that by stepping down, Biden could focus on his health, potentially slowing further cognitive decline, and ensure that the leadership role is filled by someone fully capable of handling the demanding responsibilities of the position.
Dr. Marc Siegel, a clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, echoed Dr. Osborn's sentiments, stating that Bidens decision may be in the best interest of his health. "The stress of the race could have definitely made cognition worse but it will progress anyway if there is a cognitive issue, and fitness is a big concern," Dr. Siegel told Fox News Digital. He, like Dr. Osborn, has not examined or treated the President.
Dr. Osborn also pointed out that remaining in the presidential race could have been "detrimental" to Biden's mental and physical health. "Chronic stress releases cortisol, the dominant stress hormone of the body, which can negatively impact the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, leading to further deterioration," he explained.
Bidens past brain surgeries could also have contributed to his cognitive decline, according to Dr. Osborn. "It is likely that the combination of the two brain surgeries and his [possible] neurodegenerative diseases, plus the added stress of the Oval Office, have markedly accelerated the deterioration of his already ailing brain," he said.
In addition to cognitive concerns, the doctors also discussed Bidens recent bout with COVID-19. "Post-COVID syndromes and long COVID have been shown to affect underlying neurological conditions," Dr. Siegel warned. Dr. Osborn added that the virus has been shown to have potential long-term effects on cognitive function, often referred to as "brain fog."
Both doctors agreed that the individual assuming the role of president should be physically and cognitively healthy. "It is extremely important," Dr. Siegel told Fox News Digital. "We have a right to it as a country." Dr. Osborn concurred, stating, "Cognitive health is essential for clear thinking, effective communication and sound decision-making, all things President Biden lacks."
In response to Bidens decision to exit the race, Dr. Siegel suggested that the move "should be accompanied by a full health disclosure." He said, "They should admit to what they know and reveal full neurological results."
Dr. Osborn also underscored the need for thorough health evaluations for presidential candidates and sitting presidents to ensure they can perform their required duties. "Routine testing physical and mental should be made non-negotiable instead of being thwarted by the governing party," he said.
In response to outreach from Fox News Digital, the White House press office stated that "health was not a factor" in the President's decision to withdraw from the race. Biden is continuing his course of Paxlovid and his COVID symptoms have "significantly" improved, according to the president's physician. "He looks forward to finishing his term and delivering more historic results for the American people," said the White House in its statement.
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