Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made a bizarre admission about a brain worm he had over ten years ago, sparking concerns over his cognitive abilities. Mental fitness has become a major topic in the upcoming election, with the Democratic incumbent President Joe Biden being 81 years old and the GOP nominee former President Donald Trump nearing 78. Kennedy experienced memory loss and mental fogginess in 2010 from a dead worm in his brain, but doctors found no need for treatment. A dark spot on his brain scans was believed to be caused by a worm that had entered his brain and died. Kennedy was also diagnosed with mercury poisoning around the same time.
While Kennedy admitted to cognitive problems in a 2012 deposition, he told The New York Times this past winter that he had recovered from his memory loss and fogginess with no lasting health issues from the parasite. His campaign press secretary stated that the issue had been resolved over a decade ago and that Kennedy is in robust physical and mental health, dismissing concerns about his health. Despite this assurance, some individuals on social media expressed worries about his mental fitness, with comparisons being made between Kennedy, Biden, and Trump.
The parasite found in Kennedy’s brain was likely a pork tapeworm larva, known as neurocysticercosis when found in the brain, according to infectious disease experts and neurosurgeons. Dr. Phil Budge explained that the worm does not eat the brain but rather forms a cyst that displaces brain tissue. While there may be inflammation when the cyst dies, it should not cause lasting effects on mental abilities. Neurosurgeon Dr. Sanjay Gupta noted that such parasites are rare, but can occur, and that they typically do not affect brain function. Kennedy’s mercury poisoning may be more associated with brain fog or memory loss.
The admission by Kennedy about his past health condition has raised questions about his cognitive abilities, particularly as mental fitness has been a focus in the upcoming election. Despite his assertion that he has recovered from the memory loss and fogginess caused by the brain worm, concerns have been expressed on social media about his ability to serve as president. While experts have clarified that the parasite found in his brain would not cause lasting effects on mental abilities, the issue has nonetheless generated discussion about the health of political candidates. Regardless, Kennedy’s campaign maintains that he is in good physical and mental health, emphasizing his ability to compete in the election.
