The White House released a statement from Dr. Kevin O’Connor, President Joe Biden’s physician, on Wednesday stating that Biden, who is 81 years old, is medically fit and capable of carrying out his presidential duties due to his good health and active lifestyle.

According to O’Connor, President Biden is in good health and his recent medical check-up did not uncover any new issues. He remains capable of fulfilling his duties without any exceptions or modifications, following his visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland earlier today.

O’Connor stated that the examination involved meetings with experts in optometry, dentistry, orthopedics, physical therapy, neurology, sleep medicine, cardiology, radiology, and dermatology.

Biden has had three medical examinations since assuming office, amidst worries about his age as he runs for reelection.

“They think I look too young,” Biden joked to reporters at the White House after his checkup. “There is nothing different than last year,” he said.

As stated in the summary, Biden is currently receiving medical care for various ailments such as obstructive sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux, seasonal allergies, arthritis, and sensory peripheral neuropathy in his feet. Additionally, he has atrial fibrillation, which is a heart condition that does not cause symptoms and affects the regularity of his heartbeat.

The doctor declared his health to be “in a stable and well-regulated state” with “three commonly prescribed medications and three commonly used over-the-counter medications.”

The indicators paralleled the ones mentioned in the 2023 medical report of Biden’s check-up, which observed the leader’s “rigid manner of walking,” attributed to “a combination of serious spinal arthritis, minor arthritis in the foot following a fracture, and a slight neuropathy in the feet,” and “periodic bouts of gastroesophageal reflux,” prompting him to frequently clear his throat.

The president did not take a cognitive assessment.

Recent developments have brought attention to Biden’s possible age-related concerns, as the president was referred to as an “elderly man with a weak memory” in a special report by the council.

When faced with inquiries about his age, Biden defended himself by claiming that his memory is intact. However, he later made a mistake by referring to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi as the president of Mexico. This blunder, along with two other instances of misnaming world leaders in recent weeks, spurred further criticism from his opponents.

During her Wednesday briefing, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre responded to inquiries from reporters and stated that President Biden did not undergo a cognitive test as part of his physical examination. This is because his physician does not feel it is necessary.

Jean-Pierre emphasized that as president, Biden takes a cognitive test on a daily basis.

According to a survey conducted by George Washington University, 35% of participants believe Biden is physically fit enough to effectively serve as president, while 38% agree that he possess the mental capacity to serve effectively in the role.

The data shows that the Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump, is four years younger and has a lower percentage than what respondents claim. The specific numbers are 46% and 54% for Trump.

According to Todd Belt, a politics professor at George Washington University, these statistics suggest that Biden is facing a major issue. The campaign has altered its strategy to focus on attacking Trump’s weaknesses regarding his mental stability.

During a recent appearance on a late-night talk show, Biden referenced a video in which Trump appeared to have forgotten his wife’s name.

“US citizens worried about the age of President Biden.”

In 2017, Trump became president at the age of 70, making him the oldest to be inaugurated until Biden was inaugurated at age 78 in 2021. Trump has made mistakes as president, such as praising Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban for leading Turkey and mistaking his Republican opponent Nikki Haley for former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

After the special counsel report was released, a poll conducted by ABC News/Ipsos in February showed that 59% of Americans had concerns about the age and ability of both candidates to serve a second term. Clifford Young, the president of Ipsos Public Affairs, stated that more Americans had worries about Biden than Trump.

“According to Young, age is a weakness for Biden and serves as a disadvantage. This was the case four years ago, and it is likely to be the same this year.”

While not openly revealed beforehand, the scheduling of Biden’s medical examination was expected due to the growing attention on his age and well-being during his bid for reelection leading up to the November vote.

Source: voanews.com