Health
After Biden’s 'terrible' debate, health experts warn of denial dangers, call for investigation of symptoms
Amid the ongoing fallout from Joe Biden’s lackluster debate performance on June 27, experts continue to react to potential signs of cognitive decline in the 46th president, with the president himself acknowledging on Monday morning, July 8, that he had a “terrible night” and “really regrets” that it happened.
Judy Gaman, CEO of Executive Medicine of Texas — a luxury medical services provider in Southlake — told Fox News Digital over the weekend that Biden’s behaviors highlight a very real health crisis in the U.S.
“As a country, we need to be talking about the realities of this health crisis — the fact that families are often torn apart by denial,” she said.
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While Biden has not been diagnosed with dementia, Gaman said she sees many of the same signs she experienced with her own mother, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease before her death.
“The person with dementia or Alzheimer’s truly believes they are fine, and can be angered by anyone believing they are not,” Gaman said. (She has not examined or treated Biden.)
President Biden is shown on stage during a campaign rally at Girard College on May 29, 2024, in Philadelphia. Amid the ongoing fallout from Biden’s lackluster debate performance on June 27, experts continue to react to potential signs of cognitive decline in the 46th president. (Getty Images)
Fox News Digital reached out to both the White House and the Biden campaign but did not receive a response.
Red flags
Based on his speech and behaviors, Gaman said she believes Biden “certainly” shows signs of a neurological deficit, with Alzheimer’s being a possibility.
“He stares, loses his thoughts and is rumored to get angry quite easily,” she said. “Watching him is like watching my own mother who had Alzheimer’s,” she added.
“As a country, we need to be talking about the realities of this health crisis — the fact that families are often torn apart by denial.”
Almost all early Alzheimer’s patients rely on notes to help them remember, Gaman pointed out.
“As the disease progresses, they require visual aids and instructions to help them complete even the simplest tasks and to remember dates and events.”
Based on his speech and behaviors, Gaman of Executive Medicine in Texas told Fox News Digital she believes Biden shows signs of a neurological deficit. She has not examined the president. Biden is shown here during the June 27 debate with former President Trump. (Getty Images)
Given Biden’s shuffling feet and lack of arm movement when he walks, Gaman said that Parkinson’s disease could be another possibility.
“If you notice, he also leans forward, which is classic,” she said. “Slowed movement, also known as bradykinesia, is another classic sign. We have all noticed how he looks to be in slow motion.”
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Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, said it is more likely that Biden has vascular dementia, which is the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer’s.
“His gait is not consistent with Parkinson’s disease,” Siegel, who has not treated Biden, told Fox News Digital.
“He was visited by a Parkinson’s expert in January 2024, but the subsequent White House physical said he didn’t have it.”
“I think what he has is much more consistent with vascular dementia.”
Siegel also said he believes Biden is not showing signs of advancing Alzheimer’s, which would generally involve worsening behavioral issues, delusions and hallucinations.
“I don’t believe this is Alzheimer’s,” the doctor added. “I think what he has is much more consistent with vascular dementia (insufficient blood flow to areas of the brain) from his long-term atrial fibrillation and a result of his brain aneurysm repairs in 1988 and brain bleed at that time.”
One physician called for an MRI to determine whether Biden has vascular dementia, which is when impaired blood flow to the brain causes problems with memory, reasoning, judgment and other thought processes. (iStock)
Vascular dementia is when impaired blood flow to the brain causes problems with memory, reasoning, judgment and other thought processes, according to Mayo Clinic’s website.
It is often caused by strokes, but can also stem from other medical conditions that affect the blood vessels in the brain.
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Most of the cognitive tests — such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment — are designed to assess mild cognitive impairment, according to Siegel.
“Biden appears to be far past that,” he said. “I was calling for that from 2020 to 2023.”
Added Siegel, “He needs an MRI now most of all. We should ask for an MRI.”
The dangers of denial
Regarding the Biden family’s apparent failure to seek help for the president, Gaman said that in her view, she feels there are only three explanations.
“Either they are in denial and have watched this take place over a period of time, so they are less sensitive to the contrast, or they are fully aware but can’t bear the thought of what happens to the family (on many levels) if Joe is no longer president,” she said.
President Biden listens as first lady Jill Biden speaks at a post-debate campaign rally on June 28, 2024, in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Getty Images)
Or, Gaman added, it could be that they are actually grieving and want to hold onto the hope that he will somehow get better.
“Denial is a stage of grief,” she said. “This is worsened by the fact that they’re surrounded by people pressuring them not to let their opponent win.”
“This is a medical situation, though, of course, it has enormous political implications.”
As far as Biden himself, Siegel said, “He does appear to be in denial. This is very common with dementia or cognitive impairment, as is depression, as those around you start to treat you differently.”
Another possibility, according to Gaman, is that “he probably doesn’t know he has an issue, or he excuses his symptoms. He may not be knowingly covering it up.”
“He stares, loses his thoughts and is rumored to get angry quite easily,” an expert said. “Watching him is like watching my own mother who had Alzheimer’s.” (Saul Loeb/AFP)
“This is why family members of those affected must be advocates, protecting them from themselves.”
She went on, “Ask any family who has dealt with Alzheimer’s, dementia or Parkinson’s, and they will tell you that what we are seeing play out [here] is classic with most families who face this.”
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“His story just happens to be playing out on the big stage. Remember, everyone rallying around Biden and covering up the truth has something personal to gain by him continuing to hold office.”
If Biden is experiencing cognitive decline, failure to get him the medical attention he needs could be putting his health in danger, according to Gaman.
“As a physician, I feel compassion for the president,” Dr. Marc Siegel said. “I have learned to feel empathy for anyone who is ill. This is a medical situation, though, of course, it has enormous political implications.” (Fox News)
“While there are certainly no cures for Alzheimer’s or Parkinsons, these conditions are often accelerated by stress and lack of sleep,” she told Fox News Digital.
“From Joe’s health standpoint, this is like pouring gasoline on a fire. From the standpoint of the country, we need to address this as a health crisis and not a political crisis.”
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Gaman also noted that if Biden does have one of these conditions, he will not ask for help.
“This is a prime opportunity to increase funding for research, raise awareness and encourage others dealing with this to come out of denial.”
Siegel added that he is also concerned about the possibility of depression, which could make dementia worse.
“As a physician, I feel compassion for the president,” he said. “I have learned to feel empathy for anyone who is ill. This is a medical situation, though, of course, it has enormous political implications.”
If Biden does have a neurodegenerative condition, Siegel said, the symptoms may wax and wane, but “do not generally get better.”
He added, “He will likely get worse, especially under all this stress and scrutiny.”
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Parents are being warned of a new trend among kids, involving alcohol and an open flame.
The “fire-breathing” challenge has led to reports of severe burns, according to local news outlets.
Kids and teens are reportedly holding alcohol in their mouths and blowing it onto a match or another open flame to mimic “breathing fire.”
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According to Philadelphia’s 6ABC News (WPVI), a teen in Pitcairn, Pennsylvania, was intubated and treated for burns to the face, neck and chest after attempting the trend.
A “fire-breathing” challenge is leaving kids with severe burns, according to local reports. (iStock)
“Luckily, in this particular case, it did not burn the building down,” Al Hussey, Wilmerding Borough fire marshal, told WPVI.
“But somebody really got hurt, and, you know, is going to have life-altering injuries.”
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Pitcairn Fire Chief Tommy Dick told CBS News Pittsburgh (KDKA) the 14-year-old girl was playing with isopropyl alcohol at an apartment complex.
“It’s not a very smart thing for anybody to do, let alone children,” Dick said. “It’s supposed to be for cleaning off wounds and cuts and stuff, not ingesting and trying to blow fire.
A local fire chief told CBS News Pittsburgh that the incident could have been fatal for the teen. (iStock)
“This could have easily gone inside their digestive tract, and she could have died.”
Anyone who has ingested isopropyl alcohol requires immediate medical attention, according to Healthline, because it can cause stomach pain, dizziness, confusion and slowed breathing. In severe cases, it can lead to a coma.
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Fire experts are urging parents to closely monitor which household products are within their children’s reach.
Ingesting isopropyl alcohol requires immediate medical attention, according to experts. (iStock)
“If they’re doing their hair with chemicals, if they’re taking isopropyl alcohol in the room or any type of fingernail polish remover,” Hussey said. “Obviously, monitor your lighters and your matches and educate your children.”
Multiple cases of children’s injuries have occurred in recent weeks after being allegedly “inspired” by online stunts, WPVI reported. One trend involved microwaving a toy that burst and left severe burns on a 9-year-old’s face.
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Valerian, an herbal supplement long used for sleep and relaxation, has been referred to as “nature’s Valium” — but experts are divided on whether it truly compares to the prescription sedative.
The herb, which is sold as a dietary supplement in the U.S., is a common ingredient in products marketed as “mild sedatives” and sleep aids, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Valium, the brand name for diazepam, is used to treat anxiety, seizures and muscle spasms by calming the nervous system, Cleveland Clinic notes.
Valerian supplements are derived from the roots of Valeriana officinalis, a flowering plant native to Europe and Asia that has also naturalized in northeastern America, according to the American Botanical Council (ABC).
The plant has a “long history of medicinal use,” per the ABC, with the primary goal of reducing anxiety and stress as well as improving sleep quality. It has historically also been used for migraines, fatigue and stomach cramps.
Valerian has historically been used for migraines, fatigue and stomach cramps. (iStock)
Dried valerian roots can be prepared as teas or tinctures, while other plant materials and extracts have been distributed as capsules or tablets, per the NIH.
The agency noted, however, that there is a “relatively small amount of research” investigating the herb’s impact on various conditions.
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However, Stefan Gafner, Ph.D., chief science officer of the American Botanical Council in Texas, confirmed that some clinical trials have explored valerian root’s effects.
A 2020 medical review published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine found that both powdered root and root extracts show a “clear” benefit in treating anxiety, Gafner told Fox News Digital.
Valerian root and other parts of the plant can be prepared as teas, extracts, capsules and tablets. (iStock)
The researchers concluded that valerian could be a “safe and effective herb to promote sleep and prevent associated disorders.”
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While valerian may have some benefits, Gafner said he doesn’t think it “makes sense” to compare it to diazepam (Valium).
“I can understand that both are used to relieve anxiety, but valerian is a much milder ingredient, and is really used for mild cases of anxiety and sleep issues,” he told Fox News Digital.
Some valerian users have reported improved sleep and reduced anxiety, according to recent research. (iStock)
Unlike valerian, diazepam carries a risk of dependence and is generally prescribed short-term, the expert said, and the spectrum of potential adverse effects is “very different.”
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Gafner said he “absolutely” recommends the use of valerian root to relieve anxiety and stress and to improve sleep.
“I have used it myself and I believe it’s an ingredient with well-documented benefits, especially for people with problems falling asleep,” he said. “It is well-tolerated and very safe… although some sources caution [against] driving a car or using heavy machinery when using valerian.”
Valeriana officinalis, a herbal plant used as a mild sedative, in bloom. (iStock)
Dr. Joseph Mercola, a board-certified family medicine osteopathic physician and author of the new book “Weight Loss Cure,” said valerian’s comparisons to Valium may “exaggerate what the science actually shows.”
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“Valerian root contains compounds that appear to enhance calming brain chemicals, particularly the neurotransmitter GABA, which helps quiet nerve activity and supports relaxation,” the Florida-based expert told Fox News Digital.
“Some studies do report modest improvements in sleep quality or shorter time to fall asleep, while others find no meaningful difference compared with placebo.”
Valerian supplementation may not be right for everyone seeking better sleep, one doctor said. (iStock)
Side effects may include headaches, dizziness, digestive upset or next-day grogginess, Mercola noted, adding that he would not recommend it as a primary strategy for anxiety, stress or sleep.
“Because long-term safety studies remain limited, and supplement quality varies widely, you should approach valerian with caution rather than view it as a universal sleep solution,” he advised.
“You should approach valerian with caution rather than view it as a universal sleep solution.”
“I encourage people to focus first on strategies that correct the underlying drivers of poor sleep,” Mercola advised. “When you fix those foundations, you often find that you no longer need an herbal sedative at all.”
“I encourage people to focus first on strategies that correct the underlying drivers of poor sleep,” one doctor advised. (iStock)
“Bright sunlight during the day helps regulate your circadian rhythm and signals your brain to produce melatonin later at night,” he said. “At the same time, complete darkness [at night] supports the hormonal signals that allow deep, restorative sleep.”
Certain nutrients can also promote relaxation and sleep quality, including magnesium, which helps to regulate the nervous system, according to the doctor.
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GABA may help to calm nerve activity, reduce stress markers and improve perceived sleep quality, Mercola said, while glycine — taken at about 3 grams an hour before bed — may support relaxation, promote the body’s nighttime temperature drop, and improve sleep onset and overall quality.
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“When you combine sunlight exposure, magnesium, GABA and glycine, you support the biological systems that control sleep instead of relying on a sedating herb with mixed evidence,” the doctor concluded.
Fox News Digital reached out to valerian root manufacturers requesting comment.
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GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy have transformed treatment for Type 2 diabetes and obesity, but new research suggests doctors may need to pay closer attention to bone health, especially in older patients taking the drugs.
Older adults with Type 2 diabetes who started GLP-1s had an 11% higher risk of fragility fractures compared to those taking other diabetes medications, a study published in February in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found.
Dr. Michal Kasher Meron, an endocrinologist at Meir Medical Center in Israel and lead author of the study, said the relative increase may sound small, but it carries weight for an at-risk population.
“Both older age and Type 2 diabetes are independent risk factors for fragility fractures,” Kasher Meron told Fox News Digital. “This is a population that deserves special attention.”
A new study suggests older adults with Type 2 diabetes taking GLP-1 medications may face increased fracture risk. (iStock)
Fragility fractures are breaks from minor falls or routine activity, often linked to osteoporosis, and can lead to hospitalization, loss of independence and even increased mortality in older adults, Kasher Meron noted.
The study followed more than 46,000 adults 65 and older for nearly three years. After adjustments, GLP-1 users had a modest but statistically significant increase in fracture risk.
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Previous research in younger patients using older GLP-1s did not show increased fracture risk, but newer, more potent versions are now widely prescribed to older adults, Kasher Meron noted.
“In older adults treated with contemporary medications, the fracture risk picture looks different and warrants close attention,” she said.
Separate research found slightly higher rates of osteoporosis and gout among adults using GLP-1s. (iStock)
The study, however, was observational, meaning it shows an association but not causation. Researchers were unable to determine whether the risk was driven by weight loss, changes in diet, muscle loss or a direct effect on bone.
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Nonetheless, Kasher Meron says, “Bone health should be assessed before starting these medications in older patients — not as an afterthought.”
The findings come as separate research presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ annual meeting this month raised additional bone health concerns.
In an analysis of more than 146,000 adults with obesity and Type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 users were found to have a 29% higher relative risk of osteoporosis over five years compared to nonusers, according to reports.
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Rates of gout were also slightly higher, affecting 7.4% of GLP-1 users compared to 6.6% of nonusers — about a 12% relative increase.
Experts recommend bone density screening for older adults taking GLP-1 medications. (iStock)
Osteomalacia, a softening of the bones, was rare but occurred about twice as often in GLP-1 users, according to the study, which has not yet been peer reviewed. It was also observational, showing only an association. Fox News Digital has reached out to the researcher for comment.
Several mechanisms could be at play, experts say. GLP-1 medications suppress appetite and can lead to rapid weight loss. Significant weight loss is known to reduce bone density, partly because less mechanical load is placed on the skeleton.
“It’s the same idea as when we always hear about astronauts going up into space, and they’re in a gravity-zero environment for too long,” lead author Dr. John Horneff, an associate professor of orthopedic surgery at the University of Pennsylvania, told NBC News.
“There’s nothing forcing their bones to kind of hold their weight anymore. And a lot of those astronauts come back with low bone density.”
Additionally, eating fewer calories may also mean lower intake of calcium, vitamin D and protein, nutrients critical for bone strength.
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are widely used to treat Type 2 diabetes and obesity. (iStock)
Rapid weight loss can also temporarily increase uric acid levels, a byproduct of tissue breakdown, which may explain the uptick in gout cases.
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Despite the findings, experts say the results should not discourage appropriate use of GLP-1 medications, which have proven benefits for blood sugar control, weight loss and cardiovascular risk reduction.
In addition to bone density screening, experts say patients should ensure adequate nutrition and resistance training to help preserve muscle and bone during weight loss.
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A spokesperson for Novo Nordisk, which manufactures GLP-1 medications, said the company prioritizes patient safety, works closely with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and welcomes independent research into its products.
Experts also recommend proper nutrition and resistance training to help preserve muscle and bone health during weight loss. (iStock)
The known risks and benefits of the drugs are reflected in the current FDA-approved labeling, Liz Skrbkova, head of U.S. media relations for Novo Nordisk, told Fox News Digital. She emphasized that semaglutide has demonstrated cardiovascular, kidney and liver benefits when used under medical supervision.
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“Osteoporosis is a complex condition that develops over many years as a result of interdependent risk factors,” Skrbkova added.
Fox News Digital’s Melissa Rudy contributed reporting.
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