Health
Amid concerns about Biden’s mental acuity, experts reveal how cognitive tests work and what they reveal
After President Biden’s lackluster debate performance sparked renewed concerns about his mental acuity, both sides of the political spectrum have been clamoring for him to take a cognitive test.
Biden has not seen a neurologist, but did undergo his annual physical exam in February, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, physician for the president, said in a July 8 statement from the White House.
The doctor reiterated that Biden’s physical exam did not reveal concerns about a neurological disorder.
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In a recent interview with George Stephanopoulos, Biden remained noncommittal about formal cognitive testing, noting, “I have a cognitive test every single day” — meaning by performing his duties as president of the United States.
Many Americans, however, have wanted greater transparency.
In a recent interview, Biden remained noncommittal about formal cognitive testing, noting, “I have a cognitive test every single day” — meaning by performing his duties as president of the United States. (ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)
“I am writing today to request that you urge President Biden, in the strongest possible terms, to take a cognitive and neurological exam and to share the results with the American people,” Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) wrote to Dr. O’Connor on July 12.
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The United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) states on its website that there is insufficient evidence to recommend screening tests for cognitive impairment in older adults.
The free Medicare annual wellness visit, however, does cover detection of cognitive impairment, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services website.
What exactly is a cognitive test?
Fox News Digital spoke with leading neurologists to determine how cognitive tests work, as well as what they can and can’t identify.
None of the doctors who offered comments have assessed or treated President Biden.
There are three main types of cognitive testing available, experts said. Those include the MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination), the MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment), and neuropsychological testing. (iStock)
“Cognitive tests are designed to measure a range of mental functions and abilities, targeting specific areas such as memory, attention and concentration, language and processing speed,” Dr. Fred Cohen, assistant professor of medicine and neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, told Fox News Digital.
These tests are divided into three types: screening tests, mental status examinations and neuropsychological testing.
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“The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and neuropsychological testing are all important tools doctors and neuropsychologists can employ to assess a person’s behavior and thinking ability,” Dr. Michael S. Okun, medical adviser for the Parkinson’s Foundation and director of the Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at University of Florida Health, told Fox News Digital.
The first step is often a screening test, but that does not diagnose any specific disease – it can only suggest the possibility of cognitive impairment, experts say.
Further testing is needed to identify the underlying cause.
What is dementia?
Dementia describes a group of conditions in which people have an impaired ability to remember, think or make decisions, which disrupts their daily activities, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s website.
There are many types of dementia, but Alzheimer’s disease is the most common.
“Cognitive tests are designed to measure a range of mental functions and abilities, targeting specific areas such as memory, attention and concentration, language and processing speed,” an expert said. (iStock)
“There is rock-solid data that 5% to 8% of folks over the age of 60 will later develop dementia,” Okun said.
This data was partly why Congress passed a law prohibiting commercial pilots from flying after the age of 65, he noted.
Dementia risk increases with age. By the time people are in their 80s or 90s, the chances are between 10% and 30%, according to Okun.
What is the MMSE?
The MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination) is a 30-point questionnaire that assesses various cognitive functions, including memory and orientation.
It can be used to monitor changes over time, Cohen said.
The 11-question test, introduced in 1975, is a quick dementia screen that typically takes about five to 10 minutes to administer, according to experts.
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Some of the questions ask the person to perform specific tasks, like providing the current date and year, subtracting 7 from 100 repeatedly, recalling three unrelated objects after three minutes, and following a three-step command, such as “take a paper in your right hand, fold it in half and put it on the floor,” Cohen said.
What is the MoCA?
Like the MMSE, the MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) is scored out of 30 points, but takes slightly longer to administer, Cohen said.
It includes tasks such as drawing a clock, naming animals, recalling lists of words or numbers, and making “abstractions” — such as stating “fruit” when given an apple and orange.
Most cognitive tests don’t consider the mood of the individual – so if someone is depressed, that person may score lower, experts warn.
“Former President Trump has mentioned that he took a cognitive test that included identifying animals, indicating that he was likely given the MoCA,” Cohen said.
People receive points for correct answers on both tests — lower scores indicate greater concern for cognitive deficiency.
“The MoCA takes about 10 minutes to administer, and it is a little better than the MMSE, especially if your goal is to screen for mild cognitive impairment,” Okun added.
The first step is often a screening test, but that does not diagnose any specific disease – it can only suggest the possibility of cognitive impairment, experts say. (iStock)
These tests can only reveal what is going on at that moment in time; they cannot determine how someone is functioning in their everyday life, according to experts.
The screening tools may identify potential cognitive issues, but more comprehensive testing is required if a deficiency is suspected, Cohen cautioned.
“The MoCA and MMSE are considered by experts to be broad and shallow tests, and therefore should only be applied for screening and triage,” Okun added.
People can achieve a perfect or near-perfect score on a MoCA or MMSE but still have significant cognitive impairment, he noted.
The tests also don’t consider the mood of the individual – so if someone is depressed, that person may score lower, according to previous research.
Language barriers, physical handicaps or lower levels of education can also affect the results, experts say.
What is neuropsychological testing?
This type of testing, which takes several hours, is a true comprehensive assessment that can be applied for diagnosis of cognitive disorders, according to Okun.
A neuropsychologist tailors the test to the individual’s presenting symptoms.
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“Neuropsychologists spend a great deal of time gathering a detailed history that goes well beyond what a general doctor, neurologist or psychiatrist may have time to collect during their usually brief consultation(s),” he added.
The specialist may ask if the person has difficulty searching for words in conversation or uttering the wrong words or sounds within a word.
After President Biden’s lackluster debate performance sparked renewed concerns about his mental acuity, both sides of the political spectrum have clamored for him to take a cognitive test. (Getty Images; iStock)
Specialists may also ask if someone forgets notable events or repeats the same comment, misplaces items, bumps into things or gets lost in thought.
“Folks should be aware that the MoCA and the MMSE are not a replacement for neuropsychological testing, even if a person achieves perfect or near-perfect scores,” Okun advised.
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He recommends considering this testing when family and friends notice any changes, no matter how small, in their loved one’s behavior or job performance.
Added Okun, “The comprehensive testing will form the basis for a treatment plan and provide a critical baseline performance, which can be used to track disease progression.”
Some people are trading UV rays for tanning pills, as numerous social media influencers have raved about how these supplements have given their skin a tan glow. But are they safe?
These pills contain a variety of ingredients – including L-tyrosine, beta-carotene and astaxanthin – that could potentially have a color-changing effect on the skin.
Doctors are warning that this alternative means of bronzing the skin can come with risks.
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As of a March 2022 notice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, there are not currently any FDA-approved pills for tanning the skin.
The FDA confirmed with Fox News Digital that this has not changed as of today.
There are no FDA-approved pills for tanning the skin, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration confirmed. (iStock)
“Nevertheless, pills bearing tanning claims continue to appear on the market,” the FDA wrote. “Consumers should be aware of risks associated with such products, as well as doubts about their efficacy.”
One of the biggest risks is that some people might assume they’re more protected from the sun based on their darkened skin tone, according to Dr. Alexis Young, a dermatologist at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey.
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“I can assure you [that] is not the case,” she said to Fox News Digital. “The effect of these pills provides no SPF protection from the sun’s damaging UV rays, which can increase our risk of skin cancer – including melanoma, the deadliest form.”
These pills often contain a pigment called canthaxanthin, which accumulates in the skin and eyes, the dermatologist added.
With prolonged use at high doses, this pigment can potentially lead to liver damage, Young warned.
Tanning pills may cause side effects including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches and allergic reactions, experts warn. (iStock)
“Symptoms may include fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain and jaundice,” she said.
“Canthaxanthin deposits in the retina can potentially cause blurred vision, night blindness and even permanent vision loss.”
Tanning pills may also cause other side effects, Young reported, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches and allergic reactions.
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In addition to canthaxanthin, tanning pills can also contain other elements, such as beta-carotene and L-tyrosine.
“While generally considered safe, excessive beta-carotene intake can be harmful, especially for smokers, as it may increase their risk of lung cancer,” Young said.
“L-tyrosine … may interact with certain medications and can worsen pre-existing conditions like hyperthyroidism.”
Tanning pills will not provide protection from the sun’s rays, experts noted. (iStock)
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mina Amin, of California Dermatology Specialists, also reacted to this trend in an interview with Fox News Digital, noting that carotenoids – which are often found in these supplements – are what gives fruit their color.
“As dermatologists, we actually see this when someone eats too many carrots,” she said. “They can also get a similar ‘tan’ effect that presents more as an orange color, which often starts to appear on their hands and feet first.”
“The safest approach is to avoid tanning altogether and embrace your natural skin tone.”
Amin echoed that an excess of carotenoids can cause liver damage, as they’ve been associated with an increase in alcohol-induced swelling and inflammation when ingested in high doses.
Manhattan dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp also does not recommend the use of tanning pills, he told Fox News Digital, as they typically have to be taken at higher doses to induce visible changes in the skin’s pigment.
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“And their results are temporary, which means you would need to continue taking them to maintain the ‘tan’ they provide,” he said via email.
The expert pointed out that astaxanthin has been associated with gastrointestinal side effects like abdominal pain and diarrhea.
With tanning pills, “the potential risks, particularly for skin cancer and liver damage, outweigh any perceived benefits,” a dermatologist commented. (iStock)
Tanning pills are “not considered safe” even if dosage instructions are followed, according to Young.
“The potential risks, particularly for skin cancer and liver damage, outweigh any perceived benefits,” she said. “It’s important to remember that the FDA has not approved any tanning pills as safe or effective.”
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Amin agreed that there is “simply not enough evidence to support the use of these supplements to tan the skin.”
“Given the unknown safety profile, I recommend avoiding using these pills at levels that can lead to a tan,” she added.
A dermatologist advised that everyone wear SPF 30 sunscreen or higher when exposed to the sun. (iStock)
For alternative tanning options, Amin suggested using an at-home self-tanner.
Young also prefers self-tanning products and sunless tanners, including lotions, mousses and sprays, which provide a temporary tan “without exposing your skin to harmful UV rays.”
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews/health
She also recommended professional spray tans that offer a “more natural-looking” custom tan.
“Remember, the safest approach is to avoid tanning altogether and embrace your natural skin tone,” she said. “Protecting your skin from sun damage is crucial for maintaining long-term health and preventing skin cancer.”
Fox News Digital reached out to several tanning pill manufacturers requesting comment on potential safety risks.
Some families pay thousands of dollars to store their children’s stem cells with the hope of a healthier future for them. But Sarah Kliff, an investigative health care reporter for The New York Times, explains that the cells are rarely useful and are sometimes contaminated.
Health
New drug for stiff person syndrome granted designation to speed up development: ‘Thrilled for the community’
Patients with stiff person syndrome are one step closer to having access to a new treatment.
Kyverna Therapeutics’ new drug, KYV-101, has been designated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) a Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT), the company announced on Monday.
A drug is eligible for RMAT designation if it is “intended to treat, modify, reverse or cure a serious or life-threatening disease or condition” and if “preliminary clinical evidence indicates that the drug has the potential to address unmet medical needs for such disease or condition,” according to the FDA’s website.
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One of the benefits of RMAT is that Kyverna will be able to work closely with the FDA to help support accelerated development, review and approval, according to the company.
The FDA’s decision was based on positive results from clinical trials with patients, a company press release stated.
Carrie Robinette, left, was diagnosed with stiff person syndrome in 2023. The FDA named KYV-101 a Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) on Monday. (Carrie Robinette; iStock)
A rare neurological disorder, stiff person syndrome affects only one or two people for every million — including singer Celine Dion.
The disease can have a devastating impact, causing muscle rigidity, pain, spasms and loss of mobility.
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Kyverna Therapeutics, based in Emeryville, California, developed the new CAR-T cell therapy, KYV-101, with the goal of “resetting” the immune systems of patients with autoimmune diseases, according to the company.
“As a physician dedicated to optimizing diagnosis and treatments for patients with autoimmune neurological disorders, I am grateful to be able to witness and contribute to the advancement of treatments and patient outcomes in stiff person syndrome via collaborative research efforts with leading players in the field and the support of the FDA oversight,” Amanda Piquet, M.D., director of the Autoimmune Neurology Program at CU Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colorado, told Fox News Digital via email.
Céline Dion shared her stiff person syndrome diagnosis with the world in Dec. 2022. (Edward Berthelot/GC Images/Getty Images)
Piquet was not involved in the development of KYV-101, but did take part in one of the medical advisory boards.
Peter Maag, PhD, CEO of Kyverna, also commented on the announcement.
“This RMAT designation means science agrees that fast-tracking this treatment could save lives.”
“Kyverna is focused on supporting patients and their clinical unmet needs, building patient-centric clinical trials to allow access to the latest medical advances in the CAR-T space for autoimmune disease,” Maag told Fox News Digital in a written statement.
“We are proud to be able to investigate the potential of safe and effective long-lasting treatment that can lead to meaningful, durable remission for patients suffering from autoimmune diseases like SPS.”
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Patients also reacted to the news with a sense of excitement.
“From the moment I learned what Kyverna’s treatment had done for the SPS patient in Germany, my dream was that it would get FDA-approved quickly so we could all benefit,” Carrie Robinette, 45, from San Diego, California, told Fox News Digital.
A drug is eligible for RMAT designation if it is “intended to treat, modify, reverse or cure a serious or life-threatening disease or condition” and if “preliminary clinical evidence indicates that the drug has the potential to address unmet medical needs for such disease or condition,” according to the FDA’s website. (REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File photo)
Robinette, a Navy wife and mother, was diagnosed with stiff person syndrome in spring 2023.
“This RMAT designation means science agrees that fast-tracking this treatment could save lives,” she added. “I’m thrilled for the entire autoimmune disease community.”
During clinical trials, 50 patients with oncological and autoimmune conditions have been treated with KYV-101 in more than 15 locations in Europe and the U.S., according to the company.
Kyverna will now continue collecting data from the drug’s Phase 2 trials for stiff person syndrome, multiple sclerosis and myasthenia gravis.
Carrie Robinette, 45, from San Diego, California, at left, and Corwyn Wilkey, 44, who lives in Anchorage, Alaska, right, are both living with stiff person syndrome. (Carrie Robinette; Corwyn Wilkey)
Phase 1 and 2 trials are also underway for systemic sclerosis and lupus.
“We are eager to begin generating data from our sponsored trial to advance the knowledge on a potential immunological reset of the patient’s immune system,” Maag said in the company’s release.
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews/health
Added Piquet, “Stiff-person syndrome has devastating and life-altering effects on patients suffering from this rare autoimmune disease … I look forward to the data that will emerge from the KYSA-8 trial, as this trial could drastically change the treatment landscape for SPS.”
Fox News Digital reached out to the FDA for additional comment.
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