A neurologist with dual board certification has publicly recommended that U.S. President Joe Biden undergo advanced medical testing to rule out vascular dementia. The expert dismissed signs of Parkinson’s disease but emphasized the importance of cognitive transparency for national leaders.
What Is Vascular Dementia?
Vascular dementia is the second most common form of dementia, according to the Mayo Clinic, following Alzheimer’s disease. It occurs when blood flow to brain tissue is reduced or blocked, leading to damage and impairment of cognitive function.
Typical symptoms include:
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Slowed thinking and reduced attention span
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Difficulty with planning or decision-making
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Memory problems
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Mood or personality changes
The condition may result from large strokes, small vessel disease, or a combination of both. Risk factors include:
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High blood pressure
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Diabetes
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Smoking
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High cholesterol
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A history of heart disease or stroke
Early detection and lifestyle interventions — such as managing blood pressure and cholesterol — can help slow progression.
The Role of Cognitive Testing in Leadership
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, cognitive screening is an important tool to assess mental functioning in older adults, especially those in high-responsibility roles. Cognitive decline may affect decision-making, memory retention, and the ability to process complex information — all essential to executive leadership.
Cognitive assessments may include:
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Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
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Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
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Neurological imaging (MRI, CT scans)
While aging naturally leads to some cognitive slowing, it does not always indicate disease. However, persistent or worsening impairment may require formal evaluation and medical management.
Dr. Russell Surasky’s Professional Opinion
Dr. Russell Surasky, a neurologist and addiction specialist with dual board certification, recently spoke out about President Biden’s neurological health. While he refuted speculation from some media outlets suggesting that Biden may have Parkinson’s disease, he noted that certain observable behaviors could merit deeper investigation for possible vascular-related cognitive changes.
He emphasized that:
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The hallmark symptoms of Parkinson’s (such as resting tremor, limb stiffness, and gait instability) were not apparent
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The changes in verbal fluency or facial expression could be better explained by vascular cognitive impairment rather than neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s
Dr. Surasky suggested that a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, combined with standard cognitive assessments, could help clarify any concerns — not as a definitive diagnosis, but as a medically prudent step.
What Do the Official Records Say?
President Biden’s most recent medical evaluation was released publicly in 2023 by White House physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor. According to the report, the president was described as “healthy” and “vigorous,” with no findings suggestive of cognitive impairment or neurological disease.
The report also clarified that Biden underwent a routine neurological exam, which did not identify any condition requiring further follow-up at the time. As is standard for presidential health disclosures, the summary did not include every test detail but was intended to assure the public of the president’s fitness for office.
Ethics and the Responsibility of Public Commentary
Commentary about a public official’s health — particularly from licensed medical professionals — carries ethical responsibility. According to the American Medical Association (AMA), doctors should avoid making public statements that may be interpreted as a diagnosis unless they have personally examined the individual and have obtained consent.
In this case, Dr. Surasky clarified that his remarks were based solely on publicly available footage and general clinical patterns, not a direct patient examination.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also cautions against spreading health-related speculation. In the context of “infodemic management,” WHO recommends that public health communication prioritize verified facts, cite authoritative sources, and avoid amplifying unfounded claims.
Historical Context and the Importance of Transparency
Presidential health has long been a topic of public interest. Past U.S. presidents have sometimes withheld health details, only for medical information to emerge later:
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Franklin D. Roosevelt concealed the severity of his disability and cardiac issues
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John F. Kennedy had Addison’s disease, which was not disclosed publicly during his presidency
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Ronald Reagan was later diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease after his second term
These cases highlight the tension between personal medical privacy and public accountability. Experts and voters alike have called for clearer standards on health disclosures for high-level officials.
Conclusion
Dr. Russell Surasky’s remarks have reignited discussions about cognitive health and public leadership. His call for further evaluation of President Biden is not a diagnosis, but rather a professional opinion based on public observations. Current official records indicate that President Biden is medically fit to serve, with no diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease or dementia disclosed.
As national leaders age, transparent and evidence-based health communication remains essential for maintaining public trust. All formal diagnoses should come from direct clinical evaluations conducted by licensed physicians — not speculation.
Disclaimer
This article does not provide medical advice or diagnosis. It reflects the views of one medical expert and is intended for informational purposes only. Always consult a licensed physician for medical concerns.
Sources:
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Mayo Clinic – Vascular Dementia: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vascular-dementia
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Alzheimer’s Association – Cognitive Testing Guidelines: https://www.alz.org/professionals/professional-providers/clinical-practice-guidelines
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Parkinson’s Foundation – Parkinson’s Symptoms Overview: https://www.parkinson.org/Understanding-Parkinsons/What-is-Parkinsons
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White House – 2023 President Biden Medical Summary: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room
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AMA Journal of Ethics – Public Figures and Medical Disclosure: https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org
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WHO – Infodemic Management Policy: https://www.who.int/teams/risk-communication/infodemic-management
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JAMA – Health and Transparency in Public Office: https://jamanetwork.com
