Internet split as experts discuss possible medical condition behind Biden’s bizarre ‘freezing’ episodes

WASHINGTON, DC: Concerns about President Joe Biden's age are growing more pronounced as the election approaches. The 81-year-old's recent public gaffes have exacerbated these concerns.

Experts and voters alike have expressed alarm over a series of unusual "freezing" episodes involving Biden in the past week.

Joe Biden appeared frozen and motionless during a fundraiser in Los Angeles

In the most recent incident, the president appeared to freeze both facially and physically while on stage at a Los Angeles fundraiser. After his speech, he paused motionless and gazed vacantly into the audience for an extended period.

Just days before the Los Angeles incident, a video from the G7 summit in Italy depicted the president straying from other world leaders during a skydiving demonstration, giving a thumbs-up in a different direction.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni subsequently guided Biden back to the group. The president's team clarified that the video did not capture other skydivers above the leaders, which Biden was acknowledging.

The White House has consistently dismissed criticism, asserting that Biden is fully capable, both physically and mentally, to serve another term until 2028, when he will be 86 years old.

In February, the results of the president's annual physical were disclosed, revealing "no new concerns" regarding his health.

Experts suggest Joe Biden's recent episodes of freezing may indicate a serious condition

The report listed various medical issues he faces, including sleep apnea, acid reflux, arrhythmia, high cholesterol, seasonal allergies, arthritis, and nerve damage in his feet.

It also detailed the medications prescribed for these conditions, including a blood thinner that has confusion listed as a potential side effect.

However, experts are now suggesting that his recent episodes of freezing might indicate a serious condition, as per Daily Mail.

A doctor from Los Angeles remarked, "Frozen, masked faces, diminished arm swing, less frequent blinking, [are] likely due to a central neurological disorder like Parkinson's."

The plastic surgeon, Dr Sheila Nazarian, a supporter of Trump, elaborated in a tweet, "If this was just a normal, elderly person, I would not post about it. However, perceived weakness in our commander in chief is a national security threat."

She further added, "It affects us all. Right now, we need a leader who exudes power and strength... We need to bring back excellence, merit, and love for America. We need to reign in all this craziness."

Insights on neurodegenerative disorders and public perception

Commenting broadly on neurodegenerative disorders rather than the president's specific condition, Dr Ziad Nasreddine, a neurologist who developed the gold-standard cognitive test, noted that slurred speech is often observed in Parkinson's disease, a condition that affects brain hormone levels crucial for movement.

Parkinson's disease is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder among older adults, following Alzheimer's disease.

While there may be public speculation, neither President Biden nor his team has ever suggested or confirmed that he has Parkinson's disease. Annually, over 90,000 individuals in the US are diagnosed with Parkinson's, with a predominance among men aged over 60.

Concerns over President Biden's verbal slip-ups and calls for cognitive testing

President Biden has made several verbal slip-ups, including misidentifying world leaders and referencing deceased politicians and public figures. The underlying cause of these incidents remains unknown.

Dr Nasreddine pointed out that confusion regarding names and dates is concerning, as it is not typically expected with normal aging. "It could happen... occasionally we make a mistake. But if it's happening very often, I think it does raise concern," he said.

After his missteps, there have been calls for Biden to undergo a cognitive test and publicly disclose the results.

Dr Stuart Fischer, an internal medicine doctor, has called for an investigation into the age-related gaffes of President Biden. While Biden's short and severe mistakes, such as tripping upstairs or memory-blanking, are attributed to his age.

Public reactions and debate over President Biden's performance

As soon as the news went viral on social media, it left internet in splits. One claimed, "This man cannot continue governing the most powerful country in the world, he is not fit. For dignity and for the good of the country they should force him to resign."

Another user said, "It happens when both Democrats & Republicans push two senior citizens to run for POTUS Instead of picking people more in tune with today's voter's. It's elder abuse at this point!"

A commentator wrote, "It’s called being old and demented."

"Neither he nor Trump are fit for office," an X user remarked.

On the other hand, Biden's supporters claimed, "THERE IS NO 'FREEZING' - THESE ARE SPLICED CLIPS MADE TO APPEAR LIKE IT- THIS IS OUTRIGHT DECEPTION ON THE PART OF THE US MEDIA - COLLUDING TO INVENT A NON-EXISTENT NARRATIVE." [sic]

"Parkinson’s. This is nonsense. Biden isn’t having ‘freezing moments,' he’s clearly communicating with something. Just because we can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not there," a person said in his comment.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.