Ex-President Barack Obama's former doctor has sparked a debate by voicing concerns over the evaluation of President Joe Biden's cognitive fitness in recent years.

Dr. Jeffrey Kuhlman, Obama's former physician, suggested that Biden would have benefitted from neurocognitive testing, as Newsmax reports.

Kuhlman recently criticized the assessments conducted by Dr. Kevin O'Connor, Biden's personal doctor.

He highlighted the fact that O'Connor's evaluation while Biden was in the White House fell short due to a lack of neurocognitive testing. He pointed out that similar assessments were recommended for Donald Trump when he was a presidential candidate at the age of 78.

Neurocognitive testing and aging politicians

Kuhlman believes politicians over 70 years should undergo such testing due to the cognitive decline associated with aging.

He suggested that these assessments would provide a clearer picture of any age-related changes in mental functionality. Biden's octogenarian status makes this a particularly important consideration, according to Kuhlman's perspective.

Dr. O'Connor, who has been Biden’s physician since 2009, released three multi-page physical evaluations documenting the president's overall health while he served in the Oval Office.

Despite consulting with a number of specialists, including a Parkinson's disease expert, the topic of cognitive testing was notably absent from O'Connor's conclusions.

In his statement, O'Connor declared that Biden executed his responsibilities proficiently without needing any exemptions or special conditions. However, Kuhlman remained persistent in advocating for neurocognitive testing for aging leaders.

The case for cognitive exams

Kuhlman shared his views that individuals like Biden and Trump would both benefit from cognitive testing. "Sometimes those closest to the tree miss the forest," Kuhlman remarked, alluding to the comprehensive nature required in presidential health evaluations.

Last year, aides close to Biden had reportedly considered cognitive testing but decided against it. This information came to light in 2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America, a book authored by three political journalists. The decision against the cognitive assessment has now become a part of ongoing scrutiny.

Kuhlman stressed the importance of transparent health evaluations, especially when involving political figures of advanced age.

This perspective aligns with growing public interest and concern over the potential impact of cognitive decline on leadership abilities.

Questions persist

Even though Biden’s presidency is over, questions about the importance of cognitive clarity in the Oval Office remain topical. Kuhlman's remarks add fuel to a debate that considers how age may affect governance and decision-making.

The statement by Kuhlman has introduced a new angle on the topic, encouraging some to ponder how physical health assessments could evolve.

While Dr. O’Connor’s evaluations presented no concerns about Biden’s ability to govern while he remained in power, the absence of neurocognitive evaluations remains a conversation point even now.

Despite O'Connor's statements affirming Biden's fitness, Kuhlman's call for more detailed health checks, including cognitive testing, resonates with those calling for higher transparency and comprehensive evaluations for leaders.

This issue is emblematic of broader societal discussions about gerontocracy and governance. It's a reminder of the balancing act between personal health privacy and public interest in the effective functioning of political leadership.