US President Joe Biden's health caught global attention at his June 27 debate against Republican Donald Trump where people noticed his frail appearance. He also lost his thought at times, which generated a wave of reporting concerning his health.
His condition was close to Parkinson's disease with few symptoms of the disease seen in him.
However, days later the White House has denied and released a statement that President Biden is not undergoing treatment for Parkinson's disease. Media reports have mentioned that a doctor specializing in the illness visited the White House at least eight times from August through March.
"Has the President been treated for Parkinson's? No. Is he being treated for Parkinson's? No, he's not. Is he taking medication for Parkinson's? No," Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told a briefing.
How to identify Parkinson's disease? Key symptoms
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects movement. Key symptoms include tremors, often starting in the hands or fingers when they are at rest. This tremor is typically rhythmic and can worsen with stress or emotion.
Muscle rigidity is another hallmark, where muscles become stiff and inflexible, making it difficult to move smoothly. Bradykinesia, or slowness of movement, is also common, causing delays in initiating and executing movements, making everyday tasks challenging. Postural instability, leading to impaired balance and coordination, may cause frequent falls or difficulty in standing upright.
Other symptoms may include a reduced ability to perform automatic movements like blinking or smiling, known as hypomimia. Patients may also experience a softening or slurring of speech, called dysarthria, and a masked facial expression due to reduced facial movements, known as hypomimia.
Non-motor symptoms such as depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and cognitive changes can also occur. Parkinson's disease progresses gradually, with symptoms worsening over time, impacting both quality of life and daily functioning. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and improve the overall outlook for individuals with Parkinson's disease.
