Washington, Jan 17: Donald Trump has shown no abnormal signs following a cognitive test and is in “excellent” health, the White House physician said after the 71-year-old US president underwent his first medical check-up amidst speculation about his mental abilities.
“I have no concerns about his cognitive ability or neurological functions,” Navy Rear Adm Dr Ronny Jackson told reporters at an extraordinary press conference at the White House Tuesday after Trump’s first physical examination as US president.
The medical examination took place amid questions about his mental fitness for office, spurred by the publication of a damaging book that suggested Trump’s own aides worry about his stability. “All clinical data indicates that the president is currently very healthy, and that he will remain so for the duration of his presidency… the president’s overall health is excellent,” said Jackson.
Jackson said the three-hour examination of Trump conducted by military doctors at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, on Friday had gone “exceptionally well”. Jackson said that Trump asked him to conduct a cognitive test on him, even though it was not required by law.
“A cognitive screening exam using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment was normal, with a score of 30 over 30,” he said. This exam is conducted in older patients for cognitive disorders like Alzheimer disease. “There is no indication whatsoever that he has any cognitive issues. And, on a day-to-day basis it has been my experience that the president — is very sharp, he is very articulate when he speaks to me. And, I have never known him to repeat himself around me,” Jackson said.
Asked about a much-discussed episode in which the president seemed to slur his words during a televised speech in December about the Middle East, Jackson said it might had been caused by Sudafed, a medicine for nasal congestion. In response to speculation that the president has mental health problems, Jackson said, “In my opinion, that’s just tabloid psychiatry.”
PTI
