Of course I disagree. I see no notable decline in comparison with prior observances over the years. The man has a severe speaking disability and he compensates for it poorly. I think that he compensates by trying to speak faster, but he cannot process the words smoothly that way and winds up using similar words as a defense mechanism.
It would be the equivalent of someone with dyslexia trying to compensate by reading faster. You’re not making things better.
He is cogent, A&Ox3, no visible gait irregularities or resting tremors, has visible affect changes and shows varying timbers in his speaking patterns. His facial muscles are symmetric, no signs of palsy. He runs a few miles every day, which reflects good muscle tone and balance. He shows no sign of short term memory loss and responds to questions appropriately, well as appropriate as any politician would.
He has had 2 significant neurologic events and a lifelong stutter. He seemingly struggles with speaking, but I observed him last night in his speech and he was clear, concise and purposeful.
I didn’t like it when Reagan was criticized for being a bit off, and he actually HAD Alzheimers.
Now, Alzheimers is not the only dementia. Multi-infarct dementia is another and the one he could be more closely linked to since he had aneurysms but it would never display this way. Lewy Body dementia is more motor related and is akin to Parkinsonian presentations. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is related to lifelong alcoholism and is highlighted by compulsive lying, which would be useful for a politician but he doesn’t drink heavily.
Truth be told, the simplest answer is probably he is a guy in his 70s in reasonable health with a speaking impediment and troubles with public speech. He doesn’t forget where he is, he knows his family and friends are, and is functioning in a high capacity.
If you have ever had someone with Alzheimers in your life, and I hope you never do, I would imagine that hearing folks on the Right labeling Joe with this would trigger hurt feelings. This disease is not a political cudgel, it destroys families and shouldn’t be used as a political tool.
Regards,
