Not the win they think it is…
White House insiders attempted to reassure the public that President Biden remains highly engaged for a significant part of his day. According to Axios, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Biden, 81, is “dependably engaged.”
The Two Bidens: Challenges Beyond 4 p.m.
However, outside of this core period and during international travel, even Biden’s aides acknowledge he may experience verbal miscues and fatigue.
What the article didn’t say is that people with aging issues, particularly those related to cognitive function or physical health, may experience variations in their difficulties throughout the day.
This phenomenon is often referred to as “sundowning” in the context of dementia, where symptoms like confusion, agitation and restlessness worsen later in the day or in the evening.
It’s not uncommon for older adults to experience variations in energy levels, cognitive clarity and physical abilities throughout the day due to factors like medication timing, fatigue or natural biological rhythms.
Debate Fallout: Assessing Biden’s Performance
Nighttime Debate Struggles: Thursday’s debate, held at 9 p.m., has challenged the liberal narrative of Biden’s mental acuity and suitability to serve beyond his 86th birthday.
Staff Perspectives: According to Axios’ sources within the White House, opinions vary widely among staffers regarding the debate’s lasting impact on Biden’s image, though the consensus is it has been somewhat damaging.
Other Observations and Reactions: Post-debate, CNN captured moments where First Lady Jill Biden assisted her husband gingerly down a few stairs (as if he was 10 years older), highlighting concerns about his physical condition.
Understanding Fluctuating Symptoms
The fluctuation in symptoms for the elderly, and often observed in people with dementia like Alzheimer’s disease, can be attributed to several factors:
- Circadian Rhythms: Many bodily functions, including sleep-wake cycles, are governed by circadian rhythms. In dementia patients, disruptions to these rhythms can lead to increased confusion and agitation during the evening hours.
- Fatigue and Energy Levels: Throughout the day, individuals with dementia may experience fluctuations in energy levels. As the day progresses, fatigue can exacerbate cognitive difficulties and behavioral changes.
- Environmental Changes: Evening hours often bring changes in lighting and noise levels, which can be disorienting for someone with dementia. This sensory overload can contribute to increased confusion and distress.
- Medication Effects: The timing and effectiveness of medications can vary throughout the day, influencing symptoms and behavior patterns in individuals with dementia.
- Caregiver Fatigue: Caregivers may also experience fatigue as the day goes on, which can impact the quality of care provided and indirectly affect the patient’s well-being.
- Brain Changes: The underlying neurodegenerative processes in dementia can cause structural and chemical changes in the brain that affect cognitive function differently at different times of day.
None of the White House staffers mentioned how Biden would handle a hypothetical nuclear attack at 3 am.
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