Concerns about President Donald Trump’s mental and physical fitness are growing, with a prominent psychologist warning that the 79-year-old may be showing signs of early-stage dementia.
Dr. John Gartner, a psychologist and long-time analyst of presidential behavior, recently shared his observations on The Dean Obeidallah Show, suggesting Trump could be experiencing frontotemporal dementia—a condition known to affect both cognitive function and motor skills.
“We often focus on language when discussing dementia symptoms, but motor function decline is just as revealing,” Gartner said.
Four Red Flags in Trump’s Behavior, According to Dr. Gartner
Dr. Gartner told Irish Star Online that his assessment is based on a pattern of behavior, not isolated incidents. He pointed to four key indicators that may suggest a deeper issue:
- Possible Use of a Catheter
- Gartner noted what appeared to be a catheter tube visible beneath Trump’s right pant leg during recent appearances—raising concerns about his urinary or mobility health.
- Trouble with Stairs
- “He used to be quite agile. There’s footage of him from the 1980s diving for a volleyball and jumping right back up,” Gartner recalled. “Now, he struggles with stairs and frequently appears unsteady.”
- Unusual Gait
- Perhaps the most telling sign, Gartner explained, is Trump’s leg movement. Neurologists consulted by Gartner noted that Trump seems to swing his right leg in a semi-circular motion, suggesting weakness or lack of coordination in that limb.
- Overcompensation with His Left Leg
- A recent video of Trump boarding Air Force One shows him heavily relying on his left leg to climb the stairs, which could indicate imbalance or favoring due to weakness on the right side. “That left leg is doing all the work,” a caption from Right Side Broadcasting Network pointed out.
Official White House Health Report Paints a Different Picture
Despite these concerns, the White House medical team reported in April that Trump remains in “excellent health.”
“President Trump exhibits excellent cognitive and physical health and is fully fit to execute the duties of the Commander-in-Chief,” wrote White House physician Capt. Sean Barbabella in an official statement. Trump reportedly scored a perfect 30/30 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).
As the 2024 election cycle heats up and Trump’s public appearances come under greater scrutiny, questions about his health—particularly those raised by experts—are likely to persist. While his official medical records indicate fitness for office, some observers are urging a closer, more independent evaluation.
