with taking care of two parents (first my father, now my father in law) and had them live with me in my home over the last nine years, the signs are increasing MCI/dementia are unmistakable, sad to say. In addition, I am directly supporting lab work at UVa's Brain Institute, and have been a solid donor to CureAlzheimer's (an outstanding charity that is making a big difference) and the Alzheimer's Association. I would venture to say that while I don't know his status intimately, I would say it is fair to say that I am more attuned to the signs than most. And obviously reporters who cover the president are willing to ask questions regarding cognitive ability directly to his face, during the primaries other Democrats (like Booker following one of the debates) openly discussed his status and foreign reporters openly talk about it on air as recently as this week.

The fog rolls in and it rolls out. Cognitive impairment is a normal part of aging for everyone...(Sanjay Gupta's best seller Stay Sharp does a great job of explaining this...there are lots of other great books and journal's but his is accessible to everyone). You mentioned that he wasn't a great speaker earlier in life, but one thing we now know is that early signs actually start in the forties and fifties. Dementia in more severe cases can be due to vascular reasons or the various form Alzheimer's. Fortunately, for anyone, the progression can be slowed down, and with the right steps (sleep, diet, exercise, connection, engagement) everyone can improve. I'm sure his staff is aware and they are doing a good job of protecting him.