Could Donald Trump Be in the Early Stages of Dementia?
@DeborahDiane (40853)
Laguna Woods, California
July 31, 2016 11:32pm CST
The other day an article popped up on my Facebook feed that said that Donald Trump could be in the early stages of dementia. Regardless of what else I think about him, I initially dismissed that particular criticism ... until I saw another article on the symptoms of early dementia.
According to a New York Times article titled "Personality Change May be Early Sign of Dementia, Experts Say," they have learned that prior to developing Mild Cognitive Impairment, many people first develop Mild Behavioral Impairment. In other words, long before they show symptoms of memory loss, their behavior may become more intense. They can still carry on conversations and will continue to have memories, but there could be subtle changes in their behavior, including being more aggressive and argumentative.
There are a variety of symptoms of Mild Behavioral Impairment, but some of them include "agitated, aggressive, irritable, or temperamental" behavior as well as "unrealistic beliefs about her/his power, wealth or skills." (Those are direct quotes used in the article from the questionnaire developed by the experts. The article did not mention Trump, nor was it directed at him.)
There is no physical exam that can determine if someone has Alzheimer's Disease or other forms of dementia. The disease can only be determined by someone's behavior. However, it can run in families and Donald Trump's father was diagnosed with the Alzheimer's form of dementia at age 80. It was later determined that he had shown early signs of the disease in his 70's. Donald Trump is 70.
Whether you are a lover or a hater of Donald Trump, I found this to be fascinating information.
Ronald Reagan was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease a few years after his presidency ended. As a result, his vice-president was not put in the position of taking over the presidency.
What would have happened if Reagan had been diagnosed shortly after being elected? Would his staff have covered for him? With the use of teleprompter speeches only, dementia could be hidden from the public for a very long time.
What do you think would happen if Trump, or any other president, was diagnosed with dementia during his presidency?
25 people like this
26 responses
@DeborahDiane (40853)
• Laguna Woods, California
2 Aug 16
@jaboUK - He has always been a bit arrogant and a risk taker, but in the past he did not pick fights with so many other people ... from veterans to members of both political parties. In fact, in the past he supported politicians in both parties and was more diplomatic. Was that because he wasn't running for office, or because he is developing dementia? I wonder?
5 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40853)
• Laguna Woods, California
2 Aug 16
@ElizabethWallace - I agree that his extreme aggression and hostility is new behavior.
3 people like this
@ElizabethWallace (12069)
• United States
2 Aug 16
No, this is fairly new behavior.
4 people like this
@ElizabethWallace (12069)
• United States
2 Aug 16
Interesting question, but not the one I want to answer. I want to answer, "Do you think DT has Alzheimer's?" To this one, yes, or he is trying to lose the election. He never wanted to be President. He wanted publicity for his businesses. However, he is freaked out now that he is in this position. He keeps saying horrid things so people will not elect him, but the clowns in the lunatic fringe seem to agree with him. Maybe they have Alzheimer's.
5 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40853)
• Laguna Woods, California
3 Aug 16
@ElizabethWallace - Yes, it is really shocking how many people are willing to vote for him (mostly white men over 40) ... and I cannot figure out why.
3 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40853)
• Laguna Woods, California
2 Aug 16
@ElizabethWallace - I have to admit that I am less distressed by the antics of one person than I am by the fact that 39% of the voters in the U.S. actually support him, no matter how outrageous his behavior! That truly scares me!
5 people like this
@ElizabethWallace (12069)
• United States
2 Aug 16
@DeborahDiane This is how monsters get control of a country. People pick them! At one time, Germany had a Constitution that guaranteed more protection for its citizens than ours. Then they elected Adolf. Dreck (poo) happens.
2 people like this
@Juliaacv (56456)
• Canada
1 Aug 16
I would like to think that there is a procedure in place should a president be diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Now in particular, you are speaking of an illness that affects the mind and the way that the patient handles everyday affairs, but there is also cancer and heart disease just to mention a couple.
As much as he irritates me when I see him on the news (which is a daily event) I wouldn't wish him any ill health, but his actions are aggressive and he is the very same age that his father was when he began to show signs......could this explain a lot or what?
2 people like this
@Juliaacv (56456)
• Canada
2 Aug 16
@DeborahDiane You would think if it were an illness like cancer, and no something of the mind like dementia, the individual would have the presence of mind to hand the reigns over to the VP. But with dementia its a whole new ballgame.
Today they've got pictures of his wife's "working days" all over the news-and he calls that art. What a pig.
2 people like this
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
1 Aug 17
There's the 25th Amendment. To invoke it the VP and a certain number of Cabinet members would have to state that the POTUS was incapable of fulfilling his duties. It could be due to a physical or mental condition. There were a huge number of tweets a few weeks ago with #25thAmendmentNow. Of course, after hearing the "testimonials" and declarations of adoration the other week when Trump went around the table at his cabinet meeting I don't expect that to happen. I think there's also a process by which Congress could do it.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40853)
• Laguna Woods, California
3 Aug 16
@Juliaacv - Yes, with dementia its a whole new ballgame. One of the problems is that, if it is dementia, it is only going to get worse.
2 people like this
@ElizabethWallace (12069)
• United States
2 Aug 16
He most often initiates them.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40853)
• Laguna Woods, California
2 Aug 16
@shshiju - Yes, there are many different people who criticize him, for different reasons.
@DeborahDiane (40853)
• Laguna Woods, California
2 Aug 16
@ElizabethWallace - I agree that he brings most of the criticisms on himself. Could it be because he is developing dementia, though? An interesting thought.
1 person likes this
@just4him (323168)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
4 Aug 16
I believe there is a contingency amendment for just such situations which would inhibit the president to perform the duties of his office. I recall an episode of West Wing when the president's daughter was kidnapped and the president was unable to perform his duties and they enacted article 25 I think it was. I looked it up in the Constitution right away and found it there regarding just such a situation.
As for Trump, I seriously doubt he has dementia. All those symptoms you mentioned are part of his 'normal' behavior.
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40853)
• Laguna Woods, California
5 Aug 16
@just4him - The problem is that dementia is so hard to diagnose and a person could have it for a long time before it became obvious enough that outsiders would see that he is unable to perform his duties. The behavioral problems he exhibits are old behaviors that he doesn't seem capable of moderating or controlling. That is what they mean by Mild Behavioral Impairment preceding Mild Cognitive Impairment. It makes you wonder exactly how impaired you would have to be before a president would be deemed too impaired to perform his duties. He would not be able to recognize it himself; there is no definitive medical test. This doesn't apply just to Trump. Any president could have this problem develop if they are serving in their late 70s or 80s.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40853)
• Laguna Woods, California
9 Aug 16
@just4him - Perhaps our country should put more effort into learning about intelligent men in their 40's and 50's, rather than people who are already around 70 or older.
2 people like this
@LindaCPearson (2240)
• United States
3 Aug 16
I would say if this was someone other than Trump, I might think it was the beginning of Alzheimer's. I think Trump was always like this, even as a kid. He was often disruptive in school, competitive, etc., so this could just be his older version of himself.
4 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40853)
• Laguna Woods, California
4 Aug 16
@LindaCPearson - My own mother has dementia now. My Dad always puts her on the phone when I call, but she makes less and less sense. She and my Dad live with my sister and her husband. Last week, my mother asked if I knew where she was living. It is so sad.
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40853)
• Laguna Woods, California
3 Aug 16
@LindaCPearson - You make a good point. He was always like this. However, my understanding is that during the early stages of dementia, behavior problems become more acute and the patient loses his ability to moderate or exert any control over their behavior. It's like their worst days from their past, but on steroids.
3 people like this
@LindaCPearson (2240)
• United States
3 Aug 16
@DeborahDiane You are right. I watched my mom go through all these stages and it is one very horrible thing to witness, and also terribly sad.
1 person likes this
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
4 Aug 16
I've also seen where some have said that's a possibility and it well may be so but, as others have noted, he's always basically been an arrogant, obnoxious jerk. I DO think he has a mental or personality disorder but I'm leaning towards him being a sociopath and a narcissist. He's not capable of feeling any empathy or compassion for others and there's no evidence he ever has been.
I'm not sure if he's always had a habit of lying through his teeth repeatedly even when he's shown proof that he's lying so maybe that could be a sign of dementia; his short-term memory may be gone to the point where he literally doesn't remember his lies.
1 person likes this
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
8 Aug 16
@DeborahDiane He's a scary guy! One minute I think he must be developing dementia or some kind of condition that affects his memory then the next minute I think he's just THAT arrogant that he really thinks he can get away with telling one outright lie after another and then acting like he doesn't remember doing so.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40853)
• Laguna Woods, California
8 Aug 16
@anniepa - Yes, it is shocking that he can say something, be shown it on video, and still deny that he said it. It is hard to figure out what is going on with him, if he doesn't have dementia!
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40853)
• Laguna Woods, California
5 Aug 16
@anniepa - You make a good point. He could have always been a sociopath and a narcissist ... and now he is also developing dementia. Now that is a really, really scary thought! I agree that he seems to have trouble remembering things he said just a few weeks before.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40853)
• Laguna Woods, California
1 Aug 16
I agree that a president in this situation should step down, but I doubt they would. In fact, at the level of behavioral changes, it is possible that no one would even recognize what was happening ... until it was too late!
@LeaPea2417 (40062)
• Toccoa, Georgia
12 Aug 16
I didn't read that story about Trump, But, I did read one recently in the past week about how Hillary could be in the early stages of Dementia.
1 person likes this
@LeaPea2417 (40062)
• Toccoa, Georgia
13 Aug 16
@DeborahDiane True, recently I thought that the two Vice Presidential nominees , Pence and Kaine would be better Presidential Candidates because they are younger. Mike Pence is 57 and Tim Kaine is 58. That is a better age for Presidential Candidates.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40853)
• Laguna Woods, California
13 Aug 16
@LeaPea2417 - I guess the truth is that anytime we elect someone who is around the age of 70 or older, we risk that they either are starting to get dementia now, or they could have it by the time their presidency is over. We had that happen once, with Ronald Reagan. It could easily happen again.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40853)
• Laguna Woods, California
14 Aug 16
@LeaPea2417 - I agree that men and women in their 50's are a better age to be president. Perhaps there should be a top age to be a politician, just as there is a limit on how old pilots can be!
2 people like this
@PatZAnthony (14749)
• Charlotte, North Carolina
4 Aug 16
This gives us something to think about. Could happen to anyone and might explain some of the outbursts when he could have gotten his points across with calmness.
2 people like this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
8 Aug 16
The man is hooked on power and thinks that he is or will be a law unto himself.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40853)
• Laguna Woods, California
8 Aug 16
@JamesHxstatic - Whether he had dementia or not, I agree that he is hooked on the power and he thinks he can be a law into himself. Either that, or he is simply crazy! LOL
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40853)
• Laguna Woods, California
5 Aug 16
@PatZAnthony - When I read about Mild Behavioral Impairment preceding Mild Cognitive Impairment and, later, total dementia, it certainly gave me something to think about regarding Mr. Trump and his outbursts and lack of self-control. It does explain a lot.
@CookieMonster46 (13453)
• United States
6 Aug 16
I don't know if he is showing signs of it, just what we see of him on tv, is not enough to know. I am dealing with two family members right now with it. I am around them all day so I have experience in seeing it.
If he had it and If it were noticed, I am sure they would probably have him step down, he wouldn't be able to handle the job as the dementia gets worse.
1 person likes this
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
9 Aug 16
@DeborahDiane First of all, I'm very sorry about your mother. It must be very hard for you.
Isn't Donald horrible at reading his speeches? He sounds like a first grader reading from a kid's book. I'm not sure which is worse, his incoherent ramblings that make no sense or his sing-song, rather hard to follow scripted speeches. I can't stand listening to him in either case.
1 person likes this
@CookieMonster46 (13453)
• United States
7 Aug 16
@DeborahDiane Sorry to hear your mom has it, with my grandmother she is dangerous at times with it.
Trump in my opinion is a loose canon, he should be watched at all times.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40853)
• Laguna Woods, California
8 Aug 16
@CookieMonster46 - I'm sorry that you have family members with it, too. My mom can also be dangerous at times. I agree that Trump is a loose canon and should be watched at all times.
1 person likes this
@sallypup (69256)
• Centralia, Washington
2 Aug 16
@DeborahDiane Or autism or ADD of the mouth?
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40853)
• Laguna Woods, California
2 Aug 16
@sallypup - That is interesting that you thought he could have Tourettes Syndrome ... a malady that causes people to blurt out anything that comes into their mind. That is certainly another possibility. However, that often starts in children, while dementia is more likely to be the issue in the elderly. The manifestation of the two problems can be similar, however.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40853)
• Laguna Woods, California
3 Aug 16
@sallypup - I like those potential possibilities ... autism or ADD of the mouth! LOL
1 person likes this
@PainsOnSlate (21845)
• Canada
4 Feb 17
I would hope they would be removed. One Doctor mentioned "Malignant Narcissists".
Check it out, if he infect is that, we are in big trouble...Many doctors have talked about his ugly Narcissistic ways and I hope they stop him before he starts a war. I missed this when you wrote it, saw it this morning in the side bar...
1 person likes this
@PainsOnSlate (21845)
• Canada
5 Feb 17
@DeborahDiane I agree and I read last night that his children are protected by the secret service. They follow the kids around the world and last weekend it cost a huge number and mentioned all the family business still goes into Trumps bank account... I thought ended, and the amount to protect him in NY and Florida is outrageous...
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40853)
• Laguna Woods, California
5 Feb 17
@PainsOnSlate - There really is not a contingency plan in the Constitution for removing a president due to mental health issues. I guess they didn't worry about that much back when they wrote the Constitution. However, he could be impeached ... if the Republicans decide they would rather have Mike Pence as president. It is going to be a scary four years while all this unravels.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40853)
• Laguna Woods, California
6 Feb 17
@PainsOnSlate - Having Trump as president is costing the U.S. a fortune and, by the time his term is over, he will be worth billions more than he was when he was elected. It burns me up, and I cannot believe that so many people do not see this.
2 people like this
@asfarasiknow (3340)
• Bournemouth, England
6 Feb 17
In the UK we had a Prime Minister step down who was later revealed to have Alzheimer's. This wasn't the reason given at the time and there were probably other factors. He remained as a Member of Parliament for a number of years afterwards and even presented a TV chat show. His successor was in office for 3 years until the party lost at the next election.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40853)
• Laguna Woods, California
7 Feb 17
@asfarasiknow - A couple of years after President Ronald Reagan ended his term in office, it was announced he had Alzheimer's. A lot of people suspected he had it while he was still President because he stopped answering reporter's questions. He would pretend not to hear them ... although he had answered them in the past. I suspect Trump has something going on, too.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40853)
• Laguna Woods, California
7 Feb 17
@asfarasiknow - Oh, wow! I missed him referring to her as Princess David. I think there is something seriously wrong with him, and he is surrounding himself with advisors, like Steve Bannon, who are taking advantage of it.
1 person likes this
@asfarasiknow (3340)
• Bournemouth, England
7 Feb 17
@DeborahDiane There was the famous occasion where he called Princess Diana 'Princess David'.
1 person likes this
@divalounger (6182)
• United States
22 Aug 16
I don't know if his behavior is new or not, but I find it very odd--and I find our response to his behavior even odder!
1 person likes this
@divalounger (6182)
• United States
23 Aug 16
@DeborahDiane I keep thinking that surely his last faux pas will be his last--and I am wrong again and again
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40853)
• Laguna Woods, California
23 Aug 16
@divalounger - I agree with you completely! Not only is his behavior odd, but so is our response to his behavior!
@crossbones27 (53005)
• Mojave, California
1 Aug 16
That is interesting, but he has been a jerk all of his life.It could be why he seems to be getting worse though. That is a very interesting and perceptive eye by who ever wrote the NY Times piece. Something for all of us to keep an eye on. I also think they should have some plan in place because of Ronald Reagan. Rumor is Nancy Reagan was calling some of the shots towards the end of Ronalds presidency. I am not sure how true that is.
1 person likes this
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
4 Aug 16
There's actually a Change.org petition to "Diagnose Trump" because of the danger of having someone who is mentally unstable in the White House and in charge of our nuclear codes. When you really think about it, the thought of that is absolutely terrifying!
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40853)
• Laguna Woods, California
5 Aug 16
@anniepa - Wow! I had not heard of the "Diagnose Trump" petition, but I certainly agree with the concept. I also agree that the thought of him in the White House is terrifying!
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40853)
• Laguna Woods, California
2 Aug 16
@crossbones27 - I have heard the same thing about Nancy Reagan calling the shots at the end of the Reagan administration. I agree that Donald Trump's behavior seems to be worse today than it was a few years ago ... when he supported members of both political parties and could be more diplomatic, when he needed to be, in order to help his business.
1 person likes this
@Tampa_girl7 (54745)
• United States
11 Aug 16
That is certainly food for thought. If a president was diagnosed with some form of dementia they would need to step down.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40853)
• Laguna Woods, California
13 Aug 16
@Tampa_girl7 - The problem is that dementia has to be pretty noticeable before it is diagnosed ... and there is no foolproof test for it until the patients are in pretty bad shape. What about the months or years before they are diagnosed? Scary thought that could happen with a president.
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
8 Aug 16
I have always suspected that Reagan's diagnosis was or should have been earlier. Trump's personality seems to be what it has been. I hope for a rigorous physical/mental exam for both candidates by neutral doctors.
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
13 Aug 16
@DeborahDiane No kidding! That is a frightening prospect.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40853)
• Laguna Woods, California
14 Aug 16
@JamesHxstatic - It is scary that we are electing people in their 70's and they can serve as long as they or their staff can make it appear they are competent ... whether they are or not. With Trump, it is an especially frightening prospect!!
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40853)
• Laguna Woods, California
13 Aug 16
@JamesHxstatic - I also believed that Reagan should have been diagnosed much sooner. I think that is why he kept pretending not to hear reporter's questions during his last year or so as president. He didn't want to answer off-the-cuff questions. Unfortunately, a physical/mental exam is NOT a requirement in order to be sworn in as president. We're just stuck with whomever we elect, whether they are physically or mentally up to the job, or not. They have to be seriously ill or in a coma before they can be deemed unable to fulfill the requirements of their job. Who wants to wait that long?
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40853)
• Laguna Woods, California
3 Aug 16
@DianneN - Yes, having a good VP with any President is obviously important. Anything can happen to any president. With dementia, however, it can be hard to decide who will make the decision to decide when their presidency will end, because it comes on so gradually.
@DeborahDiane (40853)
• Laguna Woods, California
5 Aug 16
@anniepa - I agree that our best hope is to keep both of them as far away from the White House as possible.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40230)
• United States
21 Feb 17
Wow. It could be possible. Actually it would make a lot of sense. I guess King George of England went mad for awhile due to some condition at the time
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40853)
• Laguna Woods, California
22 Feb 17
@FayeHazel - We never really know what is going on with our leaders, do we? Leaders are so protected by their staff ... yet Trump's staff members have to keep correcting him, explaining what he "meant to say," or apologizing for him. It is crazy!
