In a stunning disclosure that has sent shockwaves through the political sphere, independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has revealed that doctors found a parasitic worm in his brain over a decade ago. The revelation came to light during his divorce proceedings from his second wife, Mary Richardson Kennedy, where Kennedy detailed a series of health issues, including memory loss and severe mental fogginess dating back to 2010.
Kennedy’s journey through this medical ordeal, as reported by various sources including The New York Times, paints a picture of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Initially suspected to have a brain tumor, Kennedy underwent consultations with top neurologists, some of whom had treated his late uncle, Senator Edward M. Kennedy. However, a pivotal moment came when a doctor at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital offered a different diagnosis: a dead parasite had infiltrated Kennedy’s brain, consuming a portion of it before perishing.
The account provided by Kennedy in a 2012 deposition describes the doctor’s assessment that the abnormality seen on brain scans was likely caused by a worm that had invaded and then died within his brain. This rare and alarming diagnosis shed light on Kennedy’s cognitive struggles, prompting questions about the nature of his condition and the potential implications for his candidacy.
The parasite in question is speculated to be a larval form of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium, a common brain parasite found in regions with poor sanitation practices. While neurocysticercosis, the condition caused by this parasite, typically manifests with symptoms such as headaches and seizures, Kennedy’s reported memory loss and cognitive issues present a unique case.
Kennedy’s resilience in the face of adversity is evident as he navigated not only the discovery of the parasitic worm but also mercury poisoning, which he attributed to a diet heavy in fish consumption. Despite these challenges, Kennedy has emphasized his recovery, stating that the parasite did not require treatment and that he has since regained his mental faculties.
The revelation of Kennedy’s health struggles adds a new dimension to his presidential campaign, where he has positioned himself as a younger, healthier alternative to his older counterparts, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. Kennedy’s refusal to let his medical history define him is reflected in his defiant response on social media, where he quipped about eating “5 more brain worms” and still beating his opponents in a debate.