Former President Donald Trump’s mental state is under scrutiny, with mental health experts suggesting that he may be experiencing signs of dementia. Dr. John Gartner, a psychologist formerly associated with Johns Hopkins University Medical School, has been vocal about his concerns regarding Trump’s mental decline. He emphasized that Trump’s slurred speech and inability to construct coherent phrases are alarming indicators of dementia.
In a conversation with Salon, Dr. Gartner highlighted the severity of Trump’s condition, describing it as “gross signs of dementia.” He expressed frustration that these warning signs are not receiving adequate attention from other experts. Dr. Gartner warned that as Trump edges closer to potentially reclaiming the presidency, his declining mental faculties pose a significant danger.
Drawing a comparison between Trump and President Joe Biden, Dr. Gartner pointed out that while Biden’s occasional gaffes are within the realm of normal aging, Trump’s cognitive decline appears far more pronounced. He noted instances where Trump exhibited “phonemic paraphasias,” substituting non-words for words that sound similar, a characteristic feature of moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease.
Providing examples of Trump’s linguistic struggles, Dr. Gartner cited instances where words like “beneficiaries” became “benefishes,” and “renovations” became “renoversh.” He emphasized that such breakdowns in language are indicative of significant cognitive impairment, akin to symptoms observed in individuals experiencing a stroke or severe dementia.
Additionally, Dr. Gartner highlighted Trump’s tendency to engage in tangential speech, where he veers off-topic and delivers incomprehensible, disjointed remarks. This, according to the expert, is another sign of profound cognitive deterioration.
While Biden has faced criticism for occasional memory lapses, Dr. Gartner asserted that Trump‘s issues extend beyond mere forgetfulness. He noted instances where Trump appears to forget names altogether or combines individuals, suggesting a more concerning level of cognitive decline.
Expressing bewilderment at the lack of media attention on Trump’s cognitive struggles, Dr. Gartner questioned why clips of Trump’s incoherent speech aren’t more widely circulated. He argued that if similar issues were observed in Biden, they would undoubtedly dominate headlines, as per Raw Story.
In addition to cognitive decline, Dr. Gartner touched upon Trump’s narcissistic tendencies, suggesting that the former president’s lack of loyalty to the country may contribute to his pleasure in causing harm.
Overall, Dr. Gartner’s assessment underscores growing concerns about Donald Trump’s mental state and raises questions about his fitness for future leadership roles. As discussions surrounding political figures’ health continue, the implications of Trump’s apparent decline remain a subject of significant debate and scrutiny.