A Doctor Speaks About President Biden
After the State of the Union Address
There was a lot written about President Biden after his speech.
Fans and critics spoke out about President Joe Biden after he gave his State of the Union Address at the U.S. Capitol where he spent many years as a member of Congress. Democrats were mostly pleased with the speech whereas Republicans were extremely critical.
That was to be expected with the partisan nature of the United States and the Congress. The hatred of some members of Congress was on display.
As age is a major factor for the 2024 election, Republicans were trying to find anything that would indicate that Biden is too old to run although Trump is nearly as old.
A story by Richard Rosales in The Artistree was titled: “Insight into Joe Biden’s Speech Patterns from a Doctor’s Perspective.”
As a geriatrician, I often discuss the effects of aging with my patients. I wish I could share my insights with those who question President Joe Biden’s fitness for his job.
Memory is a key aspect of aging. There are three components to consider: formation, storage, and recall. Slow recall is joint among seniors, known as the “tip of the tongue” phenomenon. It’s like a word or name is hiding, even though it’s in your memory. With time, the memory usually comes back.
Age-associated memory impairment can start in a person’s 30s and gradually progress. It’s a nuisance but not disabling. If you use phrases like “whatchamacallit,” you probably have it. But don’t worry, it’s a normal part of aging.
On the other hand, Alzheimer’s disease is a different story. It affects the ability to store new memories while keeping old memories accessible. However, recalling recent events or information becomes challenging. Alzheimer’s is a debilitating condition that affects behavior and physical skills.
Fortunately, President Biden shows no signs of Alzheimer’s disease. He references new events and creates new memories efficiently. His speech may sometimes be slow, partly due to a chronic speech impediment.
Trump and others have mentioned Biden’s stuttering. He struggled with the problem in childhood but largely remedied it with a lot of work. Everyone stumbles once in a while as they are speaking. It is not uncommon.
The doctor mentioned high functioning seniors as being fit and capable, including the example of Melvin Spears. He is a 96-year-old lawyer who continues to show superior knowledge and judgment. He said that Biden’s decades of experience and judgment offer more than speed in decision-making.
Opponents of Biden will continue to mock and criticize him as well as to possibly dispute the doctor’s remarks. It is a part of politics, and it is likely to get worse as the campaign goes on for the coming months.
Thanks for reading.
