At Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Biden had a “very extensive” neurological test. The results showed no indications of Parkinson’s disease, neurological problems, or stroke, the doctor stated. The New York Times said that two orthopedists, a neurologist, and a physical therapist were among the team members who evaluated the president.
O’Connor stayed silent on the matter, and the White House had previously said that Biden would not take a cognitive exam. Such a test is seldom included in physicals, but older persons are routinely examined for signs of dementia or cognitive deterioration. One analyst told the Times that skipping that step makes sense in Biden’s situation. According to Dr. Thomas Wisniewski, head of NYU Langone Health’s Center for Cognitive Neurology, “it is completely appropriate for the physician who meets with the patient on a frequent basis to state, ‘I can evaluate the mental status on a daily basis.” “But not if they only get to see one other once a year.”
O’Connor did address Biden’s gait rigidity, which he partially ascribed to “a slight sensory peripheral neuropathy of the feet” and spinal arthritis in the previous year. One of the contributing factors was Biden’s pre-election fracture. According to the report, a spinal checkup this year revealed that Biden’s range of motion has somewhat diminished. Arthritis-related hip discomfort is “absolutely also contributing to his rigid gait,” according to O’Connor, who also said that Biden is receiving physical therapy and engaging in a rigorous stretching routine four or five times per week.