During a live address on Wednesday night, President Joe Biden spoke of his decision to exit the 2024 race, endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination, and announced his intent to stay in office for the rest of his term, which is 178 days at this point.

He did not, however, mention his health status or his recent COVID battle.

Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Biden’s personal physician, told reporters on Thursday that Biden’s health and mental cognition were both “excellent,” yet some experts have been expressing concerns that remaining in office could take a physical and mental toll on the president.

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Here’s what some doctors are saying.

Potential risks of staying in office

Health experts said the high-pressure nature of the presidency could pose “significant health risks” for Biden, who has recently displayed signs of cognitive challenges.

“I am definitely concerned about the stress, and am worried he could be depressed while apparently continuing to fail cognitively,” Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, told Fox News Digital on Thursday.

He has not treated Biden. 

He also said, “I am furious that the White House is in denial mode and is not giving us any details, and that the White House doctor is not coming forward,” adding that he “feels compassion” for the president.

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Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurosurgeon and longevity expert, reiterated that the “immense, demanding and relentless” stress of the presidency can significantly impact physical and cognitive health.

“For President Biden, who has a history of cognitive issues, the toll of such stress is particularly concerning,” he told Fox News Digital, expressing his professional opinion. Osborn has not examined or treated the president. 

“Prolonged exposure to high cortisol levels can accelerate the deterioration of brain regions.”

Stress can worsen cognitive issues by causing a spike in cortisol, the primary stress hormone, Osborn said.

“Prolonged exposure to high cortisol levels can accelerate the deterioration of brain regions, such as the frontal and temporal lobes, which are crucial for cognitive functions like memory, decision-making and impulse control,” he said.

President Biden boards Air Force One as he departs Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware, on July 23, 2024. It was his first public appearance since announcing his departure from the 2024 presidential race. (SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)

“This suggests that the demanding nature of the presidency could further accelerate any existing cognitive decline in President Biden, potentially diminishing his ability to fulfill the complex and high-stakes responsibilities of his office.”

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Dr. Earnest Lee Murray, a board-certified neurologist at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital in Jackson, Tennessee, also surmised that in the presence of any type of dementia, it may be more difficult to process stressors and handle stressful situations, which can lead to worsening cognitive abilities. 

The high-pressure job has been known to have physical ramifications, said one neurologist.

“In the long run, this can affect overall physical health,” Murray told Fox News Digital.

Even with cognitively healthy presidents, Murray said, the high-pressure job has been known to have physical ramifications. (Murray and other doctors referenced here have not treated Biden.)

“If you look through presidential history, [you can] compare pictures of presidents at the beginning of their term to pictures of them at the end of their term,” he said. 

Biden is shown on Sunday, July 14, during his address to the nation from the Oval Office of the White House about the assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump during a Pennsylvania rally. (Erin Schaff/The New York Times via AP, Pool)

“It’s obvious that the aging process has likely occurred at a faster rate than the normal population due to the immense pressure and stress the presidency brings on a daily basis,” he also said. 

“This would be accentuated in someone with cognitive limitations.”

‘A bit of relief’?

Although continued public scrutiny could also lead to increased stress, the fact that Biden has bowed out of the presidential race means that a significant stressor in his life has been eliminated, according to Jonathan Alpert, a psychotherapist and author based in New York City.

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“Biden might actually feel a bit of relief now that he has stopped running for president,” he told Fox News Digital.

“The intense pressure and stress from constant attacks by the opposing side and scrutiny from within his own party will be lessened significantly, and he will likely be better able to focus on his role and responsibilities,” Alpert added.

Experts’ advice

Doctors who shared professional opinions with Fox News Digital agreed that in their view, Biden should receive ongoing medical care and monitoring.

“President Biden should be given full treatment and support that’s honest and transparent, as the remainder of his term plays out.”

“Given the noticeable decline in the president’s health, my hope would be that he is closely monitored by his physician and that the team brings in any experts necessary to properly evaluate any new issues that might arise in coming months,” Alpert said.  

“President Biden should be given full treatment and support that’s honest and transparent, as the remainder of his term plays out.”

Neurologist Murray said that a patient of his with a certain degree of dementia “needs fairly consistent supervision.”

He added, “I would not recommend making large financial decisions or higher-level executive decisions without advice from family members who are looking out for the best interests of the patient.” 

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It is essential that the president receives appropriate medical care and stress management for the remainder of his term, Osborn said.

“While President Biden’s commitment to serving his country is commendable, the potential health risks associated with continuing in such a high-pressure role cannot be ignored,” the neurosurgeon said.

It is crucial for Biden to prioritize his health and well-being, said one medical expert, even if it means stepping back from demanding roles.  (Jacquelyn Martin/AP/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

It is crucial for Biden to prioritize health and well-being, according to Osborn, even if it means stepping back from demanding roles. 

Healthy lifestyle behaviors — such as daily exercise, stress management, and proper nutrition and supplements — are also important, he advised, as well as a “robust support system of professionals, including a neurologist who specializes in Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease and a physical therapist.”

“The potential health risks associated with continuing in such a high-pressure role cannot be ignored.”

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“These are crucial steps in maintaining his health and, by extension, the effective governance of the nation, which he otherwise places at extreme risk,” Osborn added.

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In response to earlier outreach from Fox News Digital, the White House press office said that “health was not a factor” in the president’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 race. 

“He looks forward to finishing his term and delivering more historic results for the American people,” the White House said in its statement.

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Whether it’s the dog days of summer or a cold snap in the dead of winter, extreme temperatures tend to bring people’s activities to a halt — including doctors’ appointments. 

Seniors in particular are more likely to skip their scheduled medical visits if it’s too hot or too cold, according to a study from the American Journal of Preventative Medicine.

On days that are 90 degrees or hotter, for every 1 degree increase in temperature, the rate of missed appointments rises by 0.64%, as reported by researchers at the Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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The rate of missed appointments is even higher on cold days, going up by 0.72% for every 1-degree decrease below 39 degrees.

“The key finding is that people are less likely to keep their doctors’ appointments when it is extremely hot or extremely cold,” said senior author Nathalie S. May, M.D., a professor at Drexel University College of Medicine, in a statement to Fox News Digital.

In the study, the researchers analyzed more than one million appointments involving 91,560 adult patients from Jan. 2009 through Dec. 2019.

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The appointments were all made at 13 university outpatient clinics in Philadelphia, according to a university press release.

The appointment data was compared to temperature and precipitation records from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Based on the findings, the researchers are calling for telemedicine to become a permanent covered mode of health care delivery. (iStock)

Lakelyn Eichenberger, PhD, a gerontologist and caregiver advocate at Home Instead, an Honor Company in Omaha, Nebraska, said she was not surprised by the study findings.

“For many older adults, going to a doctor’s appointment takes considerable effort, especially for those with mobility issues, chronic conditions, complex medical needs or cognitive impairment,” Eichenberger, who was not involved in the research, told Fox News Digital via email.

“When you add extreme or inclement weather, it presents even more challenges. For some, it might seem easier to skip the appointment altogether to avoid the risks that extreme conditions could pose.”

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Shana Johnson, a physician in Scottsdale, Arizona, who teaches at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Phoenix, also commented on the findings.

“Individuals with heart and lung conditions, including heart failure, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, have a hard time tolerating extreme heat,” said Johnson, who was also not involved in the study.

“The heat may exacerbate their symptoms, making breathing as well as dizziness and falls more likely.”

“For many older adults, going to a doctor’s appointment takes considerable effort.”

In her own practice, Johnson has seen many patients who had disabilities or difficulty walking.

“Transportation to the visit and walking safely were greatly affected by the weather,” she said.

“Cold temperatures, which often come with heavy rain or snow, make surfaces slippery, increasing the risk of falls and injuries.”

If the weather is poor, cancellations and no-shows tend to increase, she noted. 

4 ways to prevent skipped appointments

“It is critical that we have alternative methods for the delivery of primary care during various scenarios,” Adrienne Willard, M.D., associate professor of medicine at the Drexel University College of Medicine, told Fox News Digital.  

Experts recommend scheduling appointments during times when the weather is typically more favorable. (iStock)

Experts offered the following tips to ensure that seniors make it to essential appointments despite challenging weather conditions.

1. Plan ahead to ensure safety

Schedule appointments during times when the weather is typically more favorable, Eichenberger suggested. 

“For example, avoid early morning appointments in winter when sidewalks might be icy, and avoid mid-afternoon appointments during the hottest part of the day,” she advised. 

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“Monitor weather forecasts and reschedule appointments if extreme weather is expected — it’s better to err on the side of caution.” 

Allow plenty of time to get ready and travel safely to your destination, Eichenberger said. 

“Be prepared for weather-related delays or breakdowns during travel by carrying water to stay hydrated and snacks to avoid hunger and lightheadedness,” an expert advised. (iStock)

“Dress in layers during cold weather and wear appropriate footwear to prevent slips and falls,” she said. 

“In hot weather, opt for light, breathable clothing and use sun protection, such as hats and sunscreen.”

2. Consider telehealth appointments when possible

Based on the findings, the researchers are calling for telemedicine to become a permanent, covered mode of health care delivery — as it was during the COVID pandemic.

Previous studies have shown that the availability of telemedicine reduces the chances of missed appointments by 13%, they noted.

“If the opportunity to choose an [insurance] plan that provides coverage for telemedicine presents itself, it may be a preferred option,” Willard told Fox News Digital.

Johnson agreed that telemedicine is the “most practical and immediate solution,” particularly for individuals with chronic conditions who are well-known to their providers.

“Telemedicine increases access to care providers and extends the reach of specialists to rural areas,” she said. “Telemedicine across state lines would extend that reach further.”

3. Find reliable transportation

For patients who still drive, ensure the car is serviced regularly to avoid car trouble, Eichenberger recommended. 

If the patient no longer drives, it’s important to arrange for reliable transportation options. 

“Telemedicine increases access to care providers and extends the reach of specialists to rural areas,” a doctor said. (iStock)

“This could include asking family members or friends for help — or using home care services, ride-sharing services or senior transportation programs.”

For those using public transportation, Eichenberger stressed the need to seek shelter while waiting for the bus to avoid being out in the weather.

4. Have the essentials on hand

“Be prepared for weather-related delays or breakdowns during travel by carrying water to stay hydrated and snacks to avoid hunger and lightheadedness,” Eichenberger said. 

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If traveling by car, she recommends keeping an emergency kit with essentials such as water, snacks, blankets and a first-aid kit — as well as any necessary medications that need to be taken throughout the day.

Potential limitations

The researchers acknowledged some limitations of the study — particularly that it relies on limited data sets.

“We acknowledge that the data collected on maximum daily temperatures from one central location may not capture urban heat island effects throughout the city,” Drexel College of Medicine clinical associate professor Janet H. Fitzpatrick, M.D., one of the lead authors of the study, told Fox News Digital via email. 

“It is critical that we have alternative methods for the delivery of primary care during various scenarios.”

“In addition, patients with multiple medical problems impacted the ability to explore how individual diseases affect the associations between extreme weather and missed appointments.”

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Other research has pointed to additional factors — such as the day of the week, previous no-shows and the use of automated reminders — as impacting the rate of attendance, according to a university press release.

The researchers recommend considering the availability of transportation in future studies assessing missed appointments.