AT 81, he is the oldest American president of all time and, sadly, is showing signs of it.
But Joe Biden appears defiant to run in the next presidential election, despite mounting pressure to quit the campaign over concerns for his age and any related health issues.
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The Biden campaign has faced weeks of speculation that the president will step down.
The White House has had to deny NBC News reports that his family are discussing what an ‘exit plan’ might look like.
And on Friday, his campaign chair said Biden is “absolutely” staying in the race for the White House.
“Absolutely the president’s in this race,” Jen O’Malley Dillon told MSNBC’s Morning Joe program. “Joe Biden is more committed than ever to beat Donald Trump.”
Meanwhile, the Democrat is taking time to recuperate with his wife in his beachouse in Delaware this week, after a positive Covid-19 test.
The growing rumours Biden will step down comes after he fumbled through speaking engagements with stuttering and confusion.
He made two errors at the Nato Summit on July 11, in which he introduced Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky as ‘Putin’, and Vice President Kamala Harris as ‘Vice President Trump’.
Following his TV debate last month with Donald Trump, where he was seen mumbling, looking confused and regularly forgetting what he was supposed to be saying, concerns have been raised over Biden’s health.
It was the latest in a stream of bizarre events, including when he appeared to freeze as though suffering a cognitive blip.
Biden’s personal doctor Dr Kevin O’Connor has stated that physical tests have not detected signs of any neurological disorder.
He has also shut down concerns after a Parkinson’s specialist has been spotted regularly visiting the White House.
Dr Chun Tang, Medical Director at Pall Mall Medical says that Biden is facing the challenges of ageing that are common for individuals in their 80s.
He tells Sun Health: “Cognitively, he might experience some decline, including occasional memory lapses or difficulties processing information quickly.
“Plus, the stress and demands of being the US President combined with an election campaign could exacerbate these issues.
“Individuals in high-pressure public roles, like Biden’s, may experience heightened stress, anxiety, and pressure to make decisions that affect many lives.
“The weight of responsibility and public expectations can be overwhelming.”
Age-related health issues include reduced energy levels, reduced mobility, arthritis or cardiovascular problems – though Biden it is not confirmed if Biden is experiencing any.
Dr Amit Anand, a consultant psychiatrist at Pall Mall Medical, says that Biden is showing signs of possible cognitive decline including struggling with words, losing his train of thought and appearing confused.
“These behaviours may indicate difficulties with memory retrieval, processing information, and maintaining coherence in speech, highlighting the challenges associated with cognitive decline in older adults,” she says.
“Forgetfulness and difficulties with memory can manifest, potentially increased by conditions like Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.”
Quality sleep is crucial for memory consolidation and overall brain function
Dr Amit Anand
She adds: “The stress hormone cortisol, elevated during periods of intense pressure, can weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility to illness.
“Additionally, neglecting personal health due to the demands of the job, such as insufficient exercise or poor dietary habits, can exacerbate physical health issues.”
Although some mental and physical decline is only natural as we get older, there are several ways to stay sharp and maintain strong cognitive function now, and well into your old age.
So how can you keep your mind sharp as you age?
1. LESS TIME SITTING, MORE TIME MOVING
We all know that exercise is good for us, but doing an hour at the gym in the morning before sitting down for the rest of the day won’t be doing you any favours when it comes to cognitive health.
Research done on nearly 50,000 Brits found that there is an association between sedentary behaviours such as sitting while watching TV, and dementia risk.
And when you are exercising, Dr Anand says that moderate intensity aerobic exercise, muscle-strengthening activity, and flexibility exercises are important for good health and cognition.
“Engage in hobbies which are activities that keep both your body and mind active,” he adds.
2. PROTECT YOUR SENSES
Did you know, there’s a link between sensory loss (such as vision, hearing and smell) and dementia risk?
Research published in 2023 found that dual impairment in hearing and vision was associated with a higher risk of dementia.
Be sure to stay on top of check ups, wear sunglasses when you’re out in the sunshine and take regular breaks from headphones.
Some research has found that smell training in older adults can help; try smelling various different scents every day for several weeks.
These can include cloves, lemon and cinnamon.
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3. LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE
If sudoku, the former holy grail of brain training, isn’t your cup of tea, find something else that will test your cognition.
Dr Anand says: “Engage in mentally stimulating activities like puzzles, learning a new language, or playing musical instruments.
“Mental stimulation challenges and maintains cognitive abilities. These activities build neural connections and help preserve cognitive function.”
Try brain training exercise websites online too, such as Luminosity and Braingymmer, packed with free scientifically-backed brain games to improve your memory, attention, thinking speed and perception.
4. EAT OILY FISH
Oily fish is particularly high in long-chain omega-3 fatty acids.
Although omega-3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have often been praised for their heart health benefits, research has found that they can also benefit the brain.
Studies in older adults have found lower levels of DHA in the blood have been associated with a smaller brain size, which is a sign of accelerated brain ageing.
Oily fish includes sardines, mackerel and herring. But they aren’t to everyone’s liking. An omega-3 supplement may help.
Speaking of the diet overall, Dr Anand says: “Consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats like omega-3s and vitamins.
“These nutrients support brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.”
Joe Biden’s doctor’s note
On Wednesday, Janet Murguia, the president and CEO of UnidosUS, announced that President Biden had contracted Covid and would not be speaking at the UnidosUS conference.
The White House later confirmed the diagnosis with a statement.
The note from Biden’s doctor read: “The President presented this afternoon with upper respiratory symptoms, to include rhinorrhea (runny nose) and non-productive cough, with general malaise.
“He felt okay for his first event of the day, but given that he was not feeling better, point of care testing for Covid-19 was conducted, and the results were positive for the Covid-19 virus.
“Given this, the President will be self-isolating in accordance with CDC guidance for symptomatic individuals.
“PCR confirmation testing will be pending. His symptoms remain mild, his respiratory rate is normal at 16, his temperature is normal at 97.8 and his pulse oximetry is normal at 97 per cent.
“The President has received his first dose of Paxlovid. He will be self-isolating at his home in Rehoboth.”
According to The White House’s tweet on X
5. GOOD QUALITY SLEEP
Sleep is vital for overall good health and cognition.
It’s not just the hours you get – to really show your brain some love and keep it sharp, you need to be getting good quality sleep for at least seven hours.
A lack of sleep can cut your ability to learn new things and take on new information by 40% according to research, with other studies finding that even one night of sleep deprivation can increase the amount of beta amyloid in the brain, which is associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr Anand says: “Quality sleep is crucial for memory consolidation and overall brain function.
“Trouble falling or staying asleep, poor sleep quality, and short or long sleep duration are gaining attention as potential risk factors for cognitive decline and dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.”
Make sleep a priority by aiming to get to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
Wind down for an hour or so before bed and if you find yourself tossing and turning in the night, get up and occupy your mind until you feel sleepy again, rather than lying in bed worrying about sleep.
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6. CATCH UP WITH PALS
In case you needed an excuse to meet up with friends or family members, it turns out that staying social can support brain health.
Dr Anand: “Regular social interaction and maintaining meaningful relationships can help reduce stress, depression, and cognitive decline.
“Socialising also stimulates the brain and promotes emotional well-being.”
Although more research still needs to be done, Age UK says that people who are socially engaged seem to have a lower risk of dementia.
Isolation, on the other hand, has been linked with higher risk of the disease.
7. KEEP YOUR COOL
We all need a bit of stress to keep us driven and motivated but long term stress can pose serious problems for your health.
Dr Anand says: “Chronic stress can negatively impact brain health.”
Research has found that high stress in childhood AND adulthood was associated with decreases in working memory in both males and females.
Plus, stress was also positively associated with the number of diagnosed mental health problems.
Dr Anand says: “Practise relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to reduce stress levels and promote cognitive resilience.”
Devote time to breaks during the day, allowing your mind time to wander and/or switch off and if you’re feeling the pressure at work, take a moment to write down your thoughts and worries; getting them out of your head and onto paper can often be half the battle.
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