Amid rising speculation about President Joe Biden's health, his physician has clarified recent reports concerning a neurologist’s visits to the White House.
Dr. Kevin Cannard, a neurologist specializing in Parkinson's disease, has visited the White House eight times in the past eight months. These visits, which included at least one meeting with Biden’s primary physician, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, have sparked rumors about the president's neurological condition.
 |
| Dr. Kevin Cannard's White House visits spark health rumors; Biden’s doctor clarifies no major issues detected. |
In response to these rumors, Dr. O'Connor issued a memo late Monday night to provide clarity. He explained that Dr. Cannard has served as a neurological consultant to the White House Medical Unit since 2012, and his visits are part of his broader role in evaluating a range of neurological conditions, not exclusively related to President Biden. O'Connor emphasized that Cannard’s evaluations of Biden were routine and conducted during the president’s annual physicals, with no significant health issues detected.
Background
The speculation about Biden's health intensified following his performance in a debate with former President Donald Trump, where some observers noted lapses in his coherence and delivery. Media reports highlighted Cannard’s frequent visits, fueling concerns about the president’s cognitive health.
Details
Dr. O'Connor’s memo addressed the context of Cannard’s role, stating that Cannard’s expertise is utilized for a variety of neurological issues across the White House complex, not solely for the president. “Dr. Cannard’s role is broad, encompassing various aspects of neurology, rather than focusing solely on movement disorders,” O'Connor wrote.
He further clarified that Biden has not sought additional neurological consultations beyond his scheduled physicals, suggesting no ongoing serious neurological concerns.
Public Reaction
Despite these assurances, speculation persists. During CNN’s Laura Coates Live, Coates suggested that O'Connor’s memo might downplay the situation, while Dr. Ziad Nasreddine, creator of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, described the absence of additional neurological visits as a positive sign. CNN analyst Bakari Sellers also criticized the ongoing discussion, deeming it "absurd" given Cannard’s non-specialized role.
Upcoming Developments
President Biden is expected to address questions about his health in a press conference later this week. White House national security spokesman John Kirby announced that Biden will participate in a significant press conference on Thursday to discuss these matters further.
0 Comments