There’s been enormous debate about the health of America’s president and that of the candidates for that job. Many questions remain unanswered.
Donald Trump recently survived an assassination attempt, and there’s been little information offered about his condition in its aftermath. President Biden’s age and cognitive health have been the subject of much discussion, and he just battled Covid-19. And little is known about the overall health of the new presumptive Democratic nominee, Kamala Harris.
Like all of us, these individuals have rights to medical privacy. But, given that the president is the most powerful person in the world and can alter our lives, voters want to know whether their leaders can perform the job, and do so effectively. Ideally, officials and candidates voluntarily provide this information. But some past presidents’ physicians have released only incomplete reports, or have obfuscated the truth.
Below is a partial list of questions that I and many other medical professionals (and Americans) have about Mr. Trump, Mr. Biden and Ms. Harris right now.
For former President Trump:
1) Has Mr. Trump taken any cognitive tests in the last six years. If so, which ones? And what were the results?
Mr. Trump has been making cognitive errors, mixing up the names of Nikki Haley and Nancy Pelosi, as well as of Kim Jong-un and Xi Jinping. He said he “aced” a cognitive test four years ago. Doctors have said that the test Mr. Trump is likely referring to was not definitive, nor diagnostic.
2) Did the assassination attempt affect Mr. Trump’s medical or mental health status? If so, how?
The public knows Mr. Trump sustained an injury to his ear, leaving a small wound, but it’s unknown if his hearing or other functioning were affected. His physician arranged for a precautionary CT scan of his head, but the results have not been released. Such secrecy can lead the public to wonder whether he is hiding something.
3) What is his current weight and cholesterol?
Mr. Trump has a history of heart disease and obesity, which along with very high cholesterol, if he has it, can significantly increase the likelihood of heart attacks, strokes and diabetes.
4) What medications is he taking?
In 2017, his physician reported that he was taking baby aspirin to reduce risks of heart attack; antibiotics for rosacea, a common skin problem; a statin for high cholesterol; and finasteride (sold as Propecia), which is used for prostate disease and to promote hair growth, and which can affect mental health. In 2019, his doctor said, “The president remains in very good health overall.”
5) Do his other basic laboratory tests reveal any significant abnormalities?
These tests would include blood cell counts, basic bodily chemistries (such as sodium and potassium levels) and electrocardiograms. These results are helpful because they can suggest major diseases that have not yet been identified.
For President Biden:
1) When was Mr. Biden last tested for Parkinson’s?
The White House has said Mr. Biden has not been diagnosed with or treated for Parkinson’s disease. The question was raised because a Parkinson’s specialist visited the White House eight times over the past year. Having such a diagnosis, by itself, doesn’t indicate how well a person can function or whether he is fit to serve, but many people are wondering if this diagnosis is present and, if so, if he is still able to do his job.
2) Does he have other serious conditions that might account for his apparent diminished facial expression and restricted physical movement?
In Mr. Biden’s more recent public appearances, his movements and face have appeared more rigid. This is common for aging but could also be a sign of a neurological disorder that could be associated with greater cognitive decline. If he does have such a condition, reassurance that it is being treated and that he is still able to perform his job would bolster public confidence.
3) Is Mr. Biden experiencing any lingering effects from his bout of Covid?
Many patients experience long Covid, which can affect cognition. It would be helpful to know that he has recovered sufficiently to do his job.
4) Has he recently taken any cognitive tests? If so, which ones? And what were the results?
Just recently, Mr. Biden referred to Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky as “President Putin” and called Mr. Trump his vice president. These mistakes may represent mere slips that we all occasionally make and are normal with aging — but it would be reassuring to know that is the case.
For Vice President Harris:
1) Has she had an annual checkup, and if so, how recently?
Ms. Harris has not yet released any medical information. Most people would probably agree she appears healthy, but it would be helpful to have verification that is indeed the case.
2) Does she see a physician regularly?
Doing so would be important to ensure that she receives treatment for any medical problems, to remain as healthy as possible.
3) Does she have any major medical problems?
The answer could help reassure the public that she would be able to perform the job.
4) Does she take any medications?
This knowledge could show that any serious conditions she might have are being appropriately treated.
5) Do her basic laboratory tests show anything abnormal?
As stated above, significant abnormalities can suggest serious disease that has not yet been identified.
Candidates may decline to answer these questions, but in this age of disinformation, political polarization and distrust, transparency through voluntary disclosures of these facts is critical to rebuilding confidence in our fragile democracy. Such reports can also serve as opportunities to enhance public education about health and destigmatize living and working with health conditions.
I hope this discussion can encourage a broader exploration of these complexities by elected officials, candidates and the public. Ultimately, we need a balanced, nuanced approach to ensure the health of not just our president, but of our nation and our world.
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