Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an independent presidential candidate, has disclosed a health issue that could potentially impact his campaign. He revealed that a dead parasite was found in his brain, which led to memory loss and mental fogginess.
What Happened: In 2010, Kennedy experienced severe memory loss and mental fogginess, leading a friend to fear he might have a brain tumor. He consulted top neurologists who suspected a tumor due to a dark spot on his brain scans, according to a New York Times.
He was scheduled for a procedure at Duke University Medical Center, but a doctor from NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital suggested a different diagnosis. The doctor believed that the abnormality on his scans was caused by a worm that had entered his brain, “ate a portion of it and then died,” Kennedy said.
In the interview with The Times, he reported recovering from the memory loss and fogginess, adding that the parasite caused no lasting effects and required no treatment.
The 70-year-old Kennedy has been emphasizing his vitality and relative youth compared to the two oldest candidates ever to seek the White House: President Joe Biden, 81, and former President Donald Trump, 77. He has also been actively campaigning, securing a place on the ballots in Utah, Michigan, Hawaii, and potentially California and Delaware.
Kennedy has been showcasing his physical fitness, skiing with a professional snowboarder and lifting weights shirtless at an outdoor gym in Venice Beach, with a camera crew documenting his activities, the New York Times reports.
Why It Matters: Kennedy has been a significant figure in the 2024 presidential race, with his campaign making headlines for various reasons. Earlier in May, Kennedy called on Biden to step down from the presidential race, asserting that he is the only candidate who can defeat Trump.
His independent candidacy has also been a point of contention between Trump and the Democrats, with the former president labeling Kennedy as a “Plant” for the Democrats, intended to aid Biden's re-election. The feud between Trump and Kennedy is intensifying as recent polls indicate a closer race than expected.
Read Next: Trump Vs. Biden – Latest Polls Don’t Bode Well For One Candidate In Tight Presidential Race
This content was partially produced with the help of Benzinga Neuro and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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