Top neurologist makes claim that Biden 'definitely' has Parkinson's (2024)

A leading neurologist said it's a 'fact' that President Biden suffers from a degenerative brain condition - claiming he could 'diagnose him from across the mall.'

Dr. Tom Pitts, a New York-based specialist, appeared on NBC to give his devastating take on the president's neurological health in the wake of several notable gaffes, culminating in a disastrous debate performance in June.

Biden, 81, stumbled in answering questions, trailing off and appearing unfocused. That came after years of allegations of ill-health, including being forgetful and falling over amid reports his close team keeps his health issues out of public view.

'His motor symptoms are degenerating,' Pitts said. 'He has Parkinsonisms. That is a fact. He has degeneration of the brain. Show me the MRI. Show me he doesn't. Put your money where your mouth is. He definitely has it.'

Parkinsonisms is an umbrella term for degenerative brain conditions that includeParkinson's.

A leading neurologist is suggesting Joe Biden's ailing health may be worse than already feared

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has fiercely denied Biden is being treated for Parkinson's disease,outside his regular checkups.

Jean-Pierre confirmed Biden had been examined three times by a neurologist but refused to say why a specialistvisited the White House eight times in eight months, citing privacy and security concerns.

Pitts, a Columbia University graduate and a New York-based specialist board certified four times over, was asked his thoughts on the president's condition.

On his various online profiles, Pitts does not mention any expertise in Parkinson's . He describes his expertise on LinkedIn as being in headaches, multiple sclerosis and other brain-related conditions, but not Parkinson's.

Read More Joe Biden's personal physician reveals why Parkinson's specialist visited White House eight times

He regularly speaks to the media about health issues are are in the news, including singer Celine Dion's battle with stiff-person syndrome and the possible neurological impact of Covid-19.

He made the bombshell claim the Biden 'definitely' has Parkinson's and sees people like him '20 times a day' working in his clinic, even stating that watching the president, he could have 'diagnosed him from across the mall'.

'It's ironic because he has just this classic features of neurodegeneration: word-finding difficulties - and that's not just 'Oh, I couldn't find the right word' - that's from degeneration of the word retrieval area.'

Pitts has not personally ever examined Biden but said that what he's seen at the debate is very common among people with this condition.

'You notice when he turns it's kind of end-block turning; it's not a quick turn,' Pitts told NBC News.

'That's one of the hallmarks of Parkinson's; it's rigidity and bradykinesia, slow movement, And he has that hallmark, especially with the low voice they said was a cold; hypophonia, small monotone voice like this over time is a hallmark of Parkinsonism. I could have diagnosed him from across the mall.'

He also made it clear that Biden's historic struggles overcoming a stutter as a young man have absolutely nothing to do with what Pitts believes he's dealing with now.

'This is not a palatal issue or a speech discrepancy,' he said. 'Plus the rigidity, monotone voice.'

Pitts, who says he's a Democrat, sais the condition is easy to diagnose even from afar.

'His motor symptoms are degenerating,' Pitts said bluntly. 'He has Parkinsonisms. That is a fact.'

Now, as White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre denies Biden has been screened for Parkinson's Disease outside his regular checkups , Dr. Tom Pitts is speaking out

He made the bombshell claim the Biden 'definitely' has Parkinson's and sees people like him '20 times a day' working in his clinic, even stating that watching the president, he could have 'diagnosed him from across the mall'

DailyMail.com reached out the White House for comment. They responded with a screenshot of the neurology section from Biden's February health summary following his annual checkup.

Read More White House admits Biden has seen a neurologist but refuses to say why Parkinson's expert visited

The White House is now doing damage control following reports Joe Biden's personal physician met with a top neurologist and Parkinson's specialistat the White House.

There's beenfrenzied speculation over Biden's ailing health, which has been in question since his disastrous first debate with Donald Trump, with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre adding fuel Monday by saying the president has seen a neurologist three times.

Kevin Cannard is a movement disorder specialist at the Walter Reed Medical Center in Maryland.

On Monday, O'Connor released aletterwith the permission of both Biden and Cannard and confirmed that Cannard had been the neurologist who evaluated the president at each of his three physicals since he took office.

But most of Cannard's visits to the White House were pursuant to his role as a specialist attached to the White House Medical Unit, treating patients for a wide array of neurological issues at the White House for a dozen years, O'Connor said.

Biden is battling criticism from some Democrats that he lacks the mental acuity to stand as their nominee against Trump in the Nov. 5 presidential election.

The disclosure comes amid mounting scrutiny over the president's mental state following his car crash debate against rivalDonald Trump.

DailyMail.com reached out the White House for comment. They responded with a screenshot of the neurology section from Biden's February health summary following his annual checkup

Biden, 81, has sought to quash rumors he is unfit to lead and still asserts he will run in the November election, but has refused to state whether he is undergoing regular, official cognitive tests.

'Look, I have a cognitive test every single day,' Biden said when asked by ABC's George Stephanopoulos on Friday, as he referred to the tasks he faces daily in a rigorous job.

'Every day, I have that test. Everything I do. You know, not only am I campaigning, but I'm running the world.'

Following the debate, the White House said Biden had done a verbal 'check-in' with his doctor.

But questions over his competency remain, especially after his first sit-down interview since the disastrous June 27 debate did little to assuage fears.

Several Democrats had called for Biden to quit the racefollowing the debate and they reiterated this wish after yesterday's ABC interview.

Top neurologist makes claim that Biden 'definitely' has Parkinson's (2024)

FAQs

Who is the doctor visiting Biden for Parkinson's disease? ›

An expert on Parkinson's disease from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center visited the White House eight times in eight months from last summer through this spring, including at least once for a meeting with President Biden's physician, according to official visitor logs.

Has Biden been diagnosed? ›

An update from the president's doctor, released by the White House on Saturday, said genomic sequencing determined that Mr. Biden was infected with the KP 2.3 variant. According to the CDC, the KP 2.3 variant currently accounts for about one-third of new infections in the U.S.

Would a neurologist treat Parkinson's disease? ›

Many people with Parkinson's disease (PD) go to a general neurologist for their care. A neurologist may treat patients with any of more than 100 neurological conditions, including PD. A movement disorder specialist focuses primarily on PD and movement disorders, such as dystonia and tremors.

Who is President Biden's doctor? ›

D.O. As physician to Vice President Joe Biden, Kevin O'Connor (D.O. '92) provides primary care to the second family while at the White House; he's also in charge of medical and emergency planning for every trip the vice president and his family take.

Who is the best doctor for Parkinson's disease? ›

A neurologist or movement disorders specialist is the foundation of your medical team. This is the person you see periodically to assess disease progression and to prescribe and adjust medications over time.

What is the latest cure for Parkinson's disease? ›

There's currently no cure for Parkinson's disease, but treatments are available to help relieve the symptoms and maintain your quality of life. These treatments include: supportive therapies, such as physiotherapy.

What is Jill Biden a doctor of? ›

In 2007, she received a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in educational leadership from the University of Delaware.

Does Jill have a daughter? ›

Ashley Blazer Biden was born on June 8, 1981, in Wilmington, Delaware, to Jill Biden, a teacher, and Joe Biden, a U.S. senator. She is the half-sister of Beau Biden, Hunter Biden and Naomi Biden, her father's children from his first marriage to Neilia Hunter.

Who can replace Joe Biden? ›

Kamala Harris, 59

Vice President of the United States — She would make history as the first female president, second Black president and first Asian American president. After Biden's announcement and endorsem*nt, elected Democrats quickly began to coalesce around Harris as the Democratic nominee.

What is the two finger test for Parkinson's? ›

In finger tapping the patient is instructed to tap the index finger on the thumb as fast possible and as big as possible. This means that the patient should try to separate the two fingers as much as possible before tapping them. Make sure to test both the right and the left side.

What is often mistaken for Parkinson's? ›

Examples of conditions similar to Parkinson's include dementia with Lewy bodies, multiple system atrophy, and progressive supranuclear palsy. While these conditions mimic Parkinson's disease, each one has distinguishing features that can lead doctors to a correct diagnosis.

What are the two likely causes of Parkinson's disease? ›

Many researchers now believe that Parkinson's results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as exposure to toxins.

Who is the president's private doctor? ›

Kevin C. O'Connor is an American physician and retired U.S. Army Colonel serving as the physician to the president.

What is the doctors letter for Biden? ›

The letter added that no tremors or “motor weakness” were detected. Written by Biden's physician, O'Connor, the letter added that Biden “demonstrates excellent fine motor dexterity.” Why has a neurologist specializing in Parkinson's visited the White House? Visitor logs show that Dr.

How many doctors does the president have? ›

The location of their medical unit plays an important role in keeping the president of the United States healthy. They also oversee a staff that is typically composed of five military physicians, five physician assistants, five nurses, three paramedics, three administrators, and one IT manager.

Who is the doctor in shrinking Parkinson's? ›

Harrison Ford as Dr. Paul Rhoades, a senior therapist and colleague of Jimmy's at the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Center who has Parkinson's disease.

Who is a well known advocate for Parkinson's disease? ›

Fox (diagnosed 1991) Actor and philanthropist Michael J. Fox is one of the most recognizable Parkinson's advocates in the world.

Are we close to a cure for Parkinson's disease? ›

There's currently no cure for Parkinson's. We're pushing to deliver new treatments for Parkinson's in years, not decades. And we're determined to develop a cure in the shortest possible time. We've already made vital discoveries that have improved our understanding of Parkinson's and the brain.

Who is the doctor with Parkinson's disease on ER? ›

Paul Nathan is a former medical student at County General who suffers from Parkinson's disease.

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