Dementia doctor explains what is happening to Trump

Summary

In a recent program, Dr. Elizabeth Landsberg, a dementia and Alzheimer's disease expert, discusses the cognitive capacities of public figures, including presidential candidates Donald Trump and Joe Biden. She emphasizes the importance of assessing functional abilities rather than relying on media portrayals. Dr. Landsberg highlights the complexity of evaluating cognitive health through media, noting that changes in behavior, personality, and understanding of complex issues can be indicative of cognitive decline. She also addresses the case of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., suggesting that any brain damage he experienced would likely be permanent. The discussion underscores the societal tendency to equate social competence with cognitive health, which can mask underlying issues.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Dr. Elizabeth Landsberg discusses the complexities of assessing cognitive function, especially in public figures like Donald Trump and Joe Biden, through media appearances.
• 👵 As a geriatrician, Dr. Landsberg emphasizes the importance of understanding an individual's capacity for various tasks, such as financial or medical decision-making.
• 🕒 She suggests using simple tests like drawing a clock or calculating a percentage to assess cognitive changes that might not be evident in social interactions.
• 🤔 Dr. Landsberg notes that while both Trump and Biden have had cognitive missteps, the nature of their errors and the context in which they occur are crucial for evaluation.
• 📉 Concerns are raised about Trump's confusion regarding historical events and his performance in a deposition, which could indicate a decline in cognitive function.
• 📈 Biden's cognitive performance is described as less dynamic, but his policy outcomes and efforts in complex international situations are highlighted.
• 🚨 Dr. Landsberg expresses concern over Rudy Giuliani's cognitive state, referencing a significant decline from his past capabilities and a notable incident at a landscaping parking lot.
• 📉 The doctor mentions that cognitive decline can be permanent, drawing parallels to heart attacks and the scarring they cause, which is also applicable to the brain.
• 💬 She also touches on the role of the frontal lobe in social filters and reasoning, suggesting that Trump may have lost some of his inhibitions.
• 🌐 Dr. Landsberg criticizes the media for creating silos in public opinion and for potentially distorting the perception of cognitive health in public figures.
• ⏳ She advises that a comprehensive geriatric psychological assessment would be necessary to diagnose dementia or Alzheimer's accurately.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the discussion with Dr. Elizabeth Landsberg?

The primary focus of the discussion is to understand the cognitive state and capacity of individuals, particularly public figures like presidential candidates, through their media presentations and to discuss the signs of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

What are the key aspects that Dr. Landsberg suggests to look for when assessing someone's cognitive capacity?

Dr. Landsberg suggests looking at functional abilities such as financial capacity, medical capacity, understanding medical interventions, and the ability to manage assets and make a will. She also mentions the importance of recognizing changes in personality and behavior.

What is the significance of asking someone to draw a clock and calculate a percentage of a monetary amount?

These tasks are simple but effective ways to assess cognitive function. They test the individual's ability to understand and apply abstract concepts, as well as their reasoning and calculation skills, which can be indicators of cognitive decline.

How does societal conditioning affect our perception of someone's cognitive health?

Society often equates social competence with cognitive health. If someone appears socially okay, people tend to assume they are cognitively healthy as well, which can mask underlying issues such as dementia.

What concerns does Dr. Landsberg express about Donald Trump's cognitive abilities?

Dr. Landsberg expresses concerns about Trump's confusion regarding names of important individuals and historical events, such as the Battle of Gettysburg. She also mentions his inability to answer questions during a deposition, which could indicate a lack of understanding or cognitive decline.

What are some of the cognitive tasks that the frontal lobe is responsible for?

The frontal lobe is responsible for reasoning and social filters, which help inhibit inappropriate speech or behavior. It also plays a role in planning and organizing complex tasks.

How does Dr. Landsberg describe the cognitive changes in Joe Biden?

Dr. Landsberg acknowledges that Biden has made some stumbles and is not the most dynamic person, but she focuses on the functionality of his actions, such as bringing back manufacturing, uniting NATO, and working to protect Ukraine.

What is confabulation, as mentioned by Dr. Landsberg?

Confabulation is a condition where a person makes up false memories or stories, often without realizing they are not true. It can be a symptom of certain types of dementia, particularly those related to alcoholism.

Why does Dr. Landsberg suggest that someone like Donald Trump should undergo geriatric psychological testing?

Dr. Landsberg suggests geriatric psychological testing to assess a decline in function from a person's previous state. This type of testing can provide a more accurate diagnosis and understanding of cognitive abilities, especially in high-stress or high-stakes situations.

What does Dr. Landsberg imply about the permanence of cognitive damage related to dementia?

Dr. Landsberg implies that cognitive damage from dementia is generally permanent and likens it to a heart attack, where the brain sustains damage that leads to scarring. While the progression can be managed, the damage itself typically remains.

How does Dr. Landsberg view the situation with RFK Jr. and his claims of recovery from cognitive issues?

Dr. Landsberg expresses skepticism about RFK Jr.'s claims of full recovery from cognitive issues, noting that dementia and its effects are generally not reversible and that any improvement would be unusual given his previous symptoms and history.