US President Joe Biden is not being treated for Parkinson's disease, the White House says, after the New York Times reported visitor logs showed a doctor specialising in the illness visited the White House at least eight times between August 2023 and March this year.
The background: Concerns that Biden might have an undisclosed illness have risen since he appeared frail and losing his train of thought at times during a presidential debate against Republican candidate Donald Trump on 27 June.
A review by the Reuters news agency of White House visitor logs showed that Dr Kevin Cannard, a neurologist and movement disorders specialist from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, visited the White House eight times from August 2023 to March this year.
Cannard has co-authored research on treatment for early Parkinson's disease at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
The key quote: "There are thousands of military personnel that come to the White House and they are under the care of the medical unit." — White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
What else to know: Dr Kevin O'Connor, Biden's personal physician, issued a letter on Monday night that said Biden has not seen a neurologist outside of his normal annual physical examination.
He said Cannard's visits to the White House were part of his neurological clinics aimed at supporting "thousands" of active duty members assigned in support of White House operations.
What happens next: Biden is battling criticism from some Democrats that he lacks the mental acuity to stand as their nominee against Trump in the November presidential election. Biden has, however, said he will not abandon his campaign.
