White House Confirms President Biden Evaluated by Parkinson’s Specialist During Annual Physicals, Dismisses Ongoing Health Concerns

The White House confirmed Monday that President Biden has been evaluated by a Parkinson’s specialist during his annual physical exams, following speculation about the president’s cognitive health.

President Biden delivers remarks during a barbecue with military members and their families at US Independence Day celebrations on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, on July 4, 2024. WILL OLIVER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

A letter from Biden’s physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, revealed that Dr. Kevin Cannard, a Parkinson’s expert, has visited the White House eight times in the past eight months. O’Connor clarified that these visits were part of routine annual physicals, not for any additional neurological concerns.

The revelation was disclosed in a letter from Biden’s physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor. AP

“Dr. Cannard was the neurological specialist that examined President Biden for each of his annual physicals,” O’Connor wrote. He emphasized that Biden has not seen a neurologist outside of these exams and reiterated that Biden’s February physical showed no signs of Parkinson’s or other neurological disorders.

The letter came after White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre faced questions about Cannard’s frequent visits. Jean-Pierre declined to detail the nature of the visits, citing “security concerns.”

Dr Kevin Cannard’s speciality is treating patients with movement disorders like Parkinson’s. He has practised as a general neurologist for six years and has been the neurology consultant to the White House medical unit since 2012

Cannard, a general neurologist and consultant to the White House medical unit since 2012, has been involved in regular neurology clinics at the White House, supporting military personnel who experience neurological issues.

President Biden falls during the graduation ceremony at the United States Air Force Academy, just north of Colorado Springs in El Paso County, Colorado, on June 1, 2023.AFP via Getty Images

O’Connor stressed that Cannard’s visits often include meeting with military members and are not exclusively focused on the president. He did not specify if Cannard consulted on Biden’s health outside the annual physicals.

President Biden’s cognitive health has been scrutinized since a debate performance against former President Donald Trump, which highlighted potential issues such as blank stares and slurred speech. Some medical professionals, including Dr Rob Howard from University College London, noted that Biden’s debate behaviour could align with symptoms of Parkinson’s or related disorders. However, Biden’s medical team disputes these claims, maintaining that his February examination showed no need for further neurological testing.