President Biden remains “healthy,” “fit,” and capable of being president, his physician said Wednesday after a routine physical at Walter Reed National Medical Center that did not test his mental faculties.
It was the first physical for Mr. Biden in more than a year. This year’s physical comes amid public concerns about the president’s memory and age as he seeks a second term.
“President Biden is a healthy, active, robust 81-year-old male, who remains fit to successfully execute the duties of the presidency to include those as Chief Executive, Head of State and Commander-in-Chief,” Dr. Kevin O’Connor wrote in a memo released by the White House.
The roughly two-hour physical did not include a cognitive test, according to White House press secretary Karine-Jean-Pierre. She said the president’s doctors concluded he’s fine mentally and such a test was unwarranted.
“The president doesn’t need a cognitive test … that is the assessment of the president’s doctor, that is the assessment of the neurologist,” she told reporters.
Mr. Biden is currently being treated for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, atrial fibrillation, high lipid levels, allergies and acid reflux, according to the report. All were listed as “stable,” Dr. O’Connor concluded.
The report said Mr. Biden still experiences “a stiff gait” and that he was prescribed orthotic devices last year to help with his feet. Dr. O’Connor said the president’s gait remains stiff but has “not worsened” since last year.
Mr. Biden did report some increased discomfort with his left hip and a clinical exam was normal, except for a decreased range of motion, which Dr. O’Connor attributed to arthritis. No additional treatment was prescribed other than ongoing physical therapy.
The president is already undergoing physical therapy focused on general flexibility and strengthening his core. Mr. Biden has been participating in “an intensive stretching routine” to address these issues.
Other exams of the president’s head, ears, eyes, nose and throat were normal. An “extremely detailed” neurological exam found no findings that would point to a stroke, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease.
Republican lawmakers have demanded Mr. Biden take a cognitive test after special counsel Robert Hur raised fresh questions about the president’s memory in a report detailing his probe into how classified documents turned up at Mr. Biden’s house.
The Hur report described the president as a “well-meaning elderly man with a poor memory.” It also said Mr. Biden couldn’t remember when he was vice president or when his son died.
Polls have repeatedly shown that Mr. Biden’s age is a liability heading into the November election. Most Americans say he’s declined mentally and physically.
A Quinnipiac University poll published last week revealed that 67% of voters think Mr. Biden is “too old to effectively serve” another four-year term as president.
If Mr. Biden is elected to a second term, he would be 86 when it ends.