Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a candidate in the US presidential race, has stated that he is in good health despite past health issues, including a brain parasite infection over ten years ago. Reports from The New York Times also mention his previous battles with mercury poisoning and heart problems. Health has been a focal point of Kennedy’s campaign, where he has compared his fitness to that of Joe Biden and Donald Trump.
Kennedy’s campaign responded to concerns about his health, calling them “hilarious” given the health of his opponents. They explained that Kennedy had contracted a parasite while traveling for environmental advocacy work, but the issue was resolved over a decade ago, and he is now in robust health, both physically and mentally.
The New York Times report highlighted a 2010 incident where Kennedy experienced memory loss and brain fog, seeking treatment and later attributing the issues to a worm that had entered his brain and died, causing damage. Experts clarified that while worms do not eat brain tissue, parasite larvae can create cysts in the brain, potentially affecting brain function but not by consuming brain tissue.
Dr. Arnab Chatterjee, vice president of medicinal chemistry at the Center for Antiviral Medicines and Pandemic Preparedness, noted that mercury poisoning, another condition Kennedy has dealt with, can lead to neurological problems. Kennedy attributed his elevated mercury levels to a diet high in tuna fish and underwent treatment to reduce his mercury levels.
Kennedy, a prominent figure in the anti-vaccine movement, has emphasized health during his campaign, contrasting himself with Biden and Trump, despite his history of health issues including addiction, hepatitis C from intravenous drug use, and atrial fibrillation.
Kennedy, 70, who has a strained voice due to spasmodic dysphonia, has responded to the reports with humor on social media, stating that he could “eat 5 more brain worms and still beat President Trump and President Biden in a debate.”
Although Kennedy’s third-party candidacy has garnered attention, polls indicate he is trailing significantly behind the main contenders, suggesting that his impact on the election outcome may be limited.
