At 81, U.S. President Joe Biden has been subject to continuous scrutiny regarding his physical and mental strength. The presidential debate on June 27 amplified discussions about whether Biden should undergo cognitive testing. Throughout the debate, the President often appeared confused, and his facial expressions remained impassive. There have been repeated concerns about his physical gestures as well. The opposition has now officially demanded a cognitive test for the President.
President's Response
Despite these calls, Biden has outright refused to undergo such a test. According to NBC News, he has stated, 'I am tested for cognitive ability every day, facing tests in all I do.' Reports highlight that since February, Biden hasn't had a routine medical exam, which is quite concerning. The White House secretary has publicly admitted this.
What is the Cognitive Test Discussed?
Even those in Biden's camp are calling for this test to silence critics. This test evaluates brain functions like thinking, learning, memory, and language use. Cognitive impairment or disability is considered if these functions are impaired.
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When is this test taken?
This test is recommended to those showing signs of dementia or those who have memory problems or difficulty making decisions. Usually, older patients undergo these exams. Cognitive issues increase after age 60 and are most concerning after 75. In Biden’s case, being in the risk group, refusing to take the test and make the results public is notable.
White House Medical Unit Issues Statement
The demand for Biden's cognitive test has escalated to the point that the White House doctor addressed it. A letter released on Monday reveals that the President undergoes regular medical tests, including neurological assessments, to check for signs of conditions such as dementia or Parkinson's. According to the Medical Unit's letter, Biden is completely healthy.
History of Concealing Illnesses in the White House
There have been multiple instances in the past where Presidents hid serious ailments to remain in office. Grover Cleveland secretly underwent surgery for stage-three mouth cancer aboard a yacht and fabricated a vacation story. The surgery, risky at sea where a doctor's hands could shake, failed to eliminate the cancer, leading to Cleveland's death shortly after. The public remained unaware until much later.
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American historian Matthew Algeo has written about Presidents' habits of hiding illnesses in his book 'The President is a Sick Man.' The book discusses the physical and mental illnesses of Presidents and their impact on the nation.
Roosevelt's Secret Struggle with Polio
The most unique is the case of Franklin Roosevelt, who became paralyzed due to polio at age 40. When he ran for his first term, many Americans were unaware of his condition. With no television or intense campaigning, keeping his illness secret was not overly difficult.
He continuously battled numerous illnesses during his presidency without public knowledge. Even his first heart attack was disguised as a digestion issue. Details about Roosevelt and American politics are covered expansively in the book Whistlestop.
Woodrow Wilson came to the White House with several serious health issues, including double vision and two prior heart attacks. He also had difficulty using the right side of his body, which affected his ability to read documents and sign papers.
