Explained: Does Biden have Alzheimer's? Nancy Pelosi says both him and Trump should undergo mental acuity test

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., on Tuesday (July 2) addressed concerns regarding President Joe Biden's performance during last week's debate, and suggested that both him and Republican rival Donald Trump should take a mental acuity test.

Later the same day, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters that they have been transparent about Biden's health.

This comes as last week, Biden and Trump faced each other in the first presidential debate of US Elections 2024.

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During the debate, Biden, 81, appeared to struggle with maintaining his train of thought and stumbled over his words multiple times. This renewed speculation about his mental capabilities, whether the aged leader is suffering from Alzheimer's and whether he should continue as the Democratic presidential nominee.

On the Republican side, Trump is also fielding similar questions about his mental capabilities. 

The Biden vs Trump election fight has not just one but two senior citizens. On the one hand, it is 81-year-old Biden and on the other, 78-year-old Trump. Is either fit for the most important office in America? Let's take a look.

Nancy Pelosi on Biden, Trump and mental acuity tests

Pelosi said that it was valid for people to question whether Biden's difficulties on the debate stage were a onetime issue or indicative of a larger problem.

"I think it's a legitimate question to say: Is this an episode, or is this a condition? And so when people ask that question, it's completely legitimate — of both candidates," said Pelosi during an interview on MSNBC's "Andrea Mitchell Reports".

"Both candidates owe whatever test you want to put them to, in terms of their mental acuity and their health — both of them," she added.

Pelosi emphasised her confidence in Biden's ability to "continue to be a great President of the United States," but said he needs for him to demonstrate his capabilities in unscripted settings. She recommended that Biden participate in multiple interviews with serious journalists to address any question and "just sit there and be Joe."

Also read | ‘Almost fell asleep on stage’: Biden blames pre-debate travel for subpar performance

Pelosi also noted mixed reactions from elected Democrats about Biden's continuation in the race. 

Later, when asked for further clarification, Pelosi's spokesperson, Ian Krager, said she "has full confidence in President Biden and looks forward to attending his inauguration on January 20, 2025."

How do Democrats feel about Biden's alleged health issues?

According to Pelosi, many Democrats express unwavering support and say "Joe's our guy. We love him; we trust him. He has vision, knowledge, judgment, and integrity. The other guy has none of the above."

However, others are not so happy about him being the presumptive Democratic Party presidential candidate. On Tuesday, Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texas became the first Democrat to call for Biden to exit the race. 

Talking to CNN on Tuesday (July 2) Rep. Mike Quigley, D-Ill., another Democrat said that while it is Biden's decision, they must honestly acknowledge his performance issues. "We have to be honest with ourselves that it wasn't just a horrible night".

Watch | US Elections 2024: One in three democrats say Biden should step aside: Ipsos Poll

White House races to quash questions about Biden's capability

White House press secretary Jean-Pierre in a statement on Tuesday stressed that the administration has been transparent about Biden's health. 

"We have put forward a thorough, transparent annual report on his health, so they have said it (a cognitive test) is not warranted, it is not necessary," she said.

When asked about whether the octogenarian underwent a neurological scan or saw a doctor after the debate, she said that people need to "take a step back," and that Biden just had a "bad night."

"We understand. We're not taking away from what you all saw or what the American people saw. We understand it was a bad night," said Jean-Pierre.

A day after the debate, Biden acknowledged during a campaign event on Friday that he has aged and doesn't debate as well as he used to but insisted that he remains capable of handling the job. This narrative was reiterated in a new campaign ad his re-election campaign team released on Monday (July 1).

The White House last released Biden's health information in February 2024 after the President underwent a routine physical exam.

Then, Jean-Pierre rejected suggestions that Biden should take a cognitive test and said that he "passes a cognitive test every day" as he "moves from one topic to another topic, understanding the granular level of these topics."

Isn't Trump just three years younger than Biden?

Former President Donald Trump, 78 — only three years younger than Biden — has also faced similar scrutiny regarding his mental fitness, particularly after confusing Pelosi with former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley earlier this year. Some business executives who last month met with Trump described him as "remarkably meandering" and unable to "keep a straight thought".

A letter from his doctor that Trump released in November 2023 described his health as "excellent". However, the letter lacked specific details on vitals or test results.

(With inputs from agencies)