Does John McCain have VD? (Vascular Dementia)

[npincus]

This is not a joke.

After 2 terms of a mentally unfit president, is this country about to elect one whose mental skills are progressively deteriorating? The question needs to be asked. McCain's alarming performance on his recent trip to Iraq and Israel, where he repeatedly stated that al Qaeda was training in Iran after multiple public correction by his sidekick, Joe Lieberman, begs the question whether he may be showing one of the key signs of the onset of dementia: memory problems, forgetfulness, lack of concentration. Can we afford to have this man, fixated on imaginary al Qaeda in Iran, with his finger on the nuclear button?

Any doctors in the DU house with an opinion on this?





http://www.helpguide.org/elder/vascular_dementia.htm

Vascular dementia, caused by blockages in the brain’s blood supply, is the second most common form of dementia in the United States and Europe, ranking behind Alzheimer’s disease.

<snip>


Vascular dementia is a degenerative cerebrovascular disease that leads to a progressive decline in memory and cognitive functioning. It occurs when the blood supply carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain is interrupted by a blocked or diseased vascular system. Vascular dementia generally affects people between the ages of 60 and 75, and affects more men than women.

The most common type of vascular dementia is multi-infarct dementia (MID), which is caused by a series of small strokes, or “mini-strokes,” that often go unnoticed and cause damage to the cortex of the brain—the area associated with learning, memory, and language. These mini-strokes are sometimes referred to as transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), which result in only temporary, partial blockages of blood supply and brief impairments in consciousness or sight. Over time, however, the damage caused to brain tissue interferes with basic cognitive functions and disrupts everyday functioning.

[TwilightGardener]

1. He's showing signs of some sort of early stages of dementia--

I watched a debate exchange between Ron Paul and McCain, and even though Paul is one year older, he was far sharper in the exchange--McCain looked and sounded confused, and kept repeating himself and going off on tangents.

[noel711]

2. But isn't he following the long-revered tradition..

in republican presidencies,of serving with mental defect?

Nixon, REagan, W.. and now McCain..

[BlueManDude]

3. He's St John McCain The Maverick so it doesn't matter.

[Leopolds Ghost]

4. Just look at clips of him in 2000, when he SHOULD have been nominated. He looked so much healthier

More responsive, and more alert.

[NoBushSpokenHere]

5. To all 70 and above with perfect mental abilities, my apologies

for this: I really do not know many people capable of meeting the challenges of ANY high political office. I know there are exceptions, but most people I know above 70 seem to have had deteriorating mental clarity. I am sure these problems are mostly due to developing Alzheimer's, vascular dementias, or just the effects of old age. As I said, I know there are exceptions, but I do believe McCain's recent gaffes should be investigated thoroughly by a neurologist. I know people who stated prior to his election, Ronald Reagan had Alzheimer's just by watching his speech and mannerisms.

I know this is a broad statement but I do believe people are at their best mentally between 35 to 60 years of age. I think it is a shame when most people have little chance of becoming President prior to the age when we first begin noticing a deterioration. Yes, I will triple state this: There are exceptions to every rule. My opinion is: Seventy years old is too old to be elected and serve with my confidence in their abilities.

[CTyankee]

8. I agree. I am 68 and retired. I cannot imagine going back to work

at anything at this point. I am not senile, I just don't want to work that hard. I am enjoying travel, am teaching myself Italian, and indulging in a new love: art. I now travel to see art, mostly in Europe.

But work? No and I hope I don't have to...

[Frustratedlady]

6. I'm concerned about this, too, in addition to a couple other traits.

For one, this supposed dementia could be used to his handlers' benefit. I have never felt the Repugs embraced McCain and Lieberman because they actually like them or admire them, I believe it is because they can be handled and depended upon to do their bidding. For instance, hide their crimes, give pardons where pardons aren't due, etc. There would also be an easy "out" if things don't go as planned, if you know what I mean.

The other trait of McCain that bothers me is his temper. I think it will show up more and more as the campaign drags on. He is already showing his lack of stamina when he isn't aware the camera is on him. When he realizes he is being filmed, he straightens up and flies right. But you watch the odd moments when he isn't aware his actions might end up on the evening news, he sags. I'm nearly his age and I know how tiring it can be. Not only the physical, but the mental side of it...the constant confusion, noise, masses. We reach a point where we are content to be alone and away from crowds. He is having problems with concentration and it shows...especially at the end of the day.

[npincus]

12. absolutely, all good points.

[DavidDvorkin]

7. If so, I hope it becomes undeniably evident during the campaign

[sudopod]

9. I'm not qualified to diagnose people over the TV.

Ask Dr. Frist. :p

[union_maid]

10. I wouldn't be surprised

My mother had that. It wasn't pronounced until she was quite a bit older than McCain, but the terrifying part is that even when it got quite bad, it wasn't obvious to people outside the immediate family. She even passed mental acuity tests. We knew she couldn't remember a lot important as well as not so important things for more than a few minutes, but it wasn't demonstrable in all situations. Tests done during her final illness did show MID, which wasn't a surprise to my sister and me, but up until a few months before her death she could have convinced a lot of people that she was perfectly competent.

[Perry Logan]

11. If Republicans had any brains, they wouldn't put up anybody this year, much less poor John.

[npincus]

13. Grandpa had another senior moment re: Iraq: said al Sadr

ordered cease fire, not Maliki. Oh, boy.