Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. revealed that doctors found a dead worm in his brain. Kennedy explained that he went to the doctor after he had concerns about the memory loss and confusion he was experiencing. He thought it could be a brain tumor and several doctors supported his suspicion. However, a doctor at New York-Presbyterian Hospital had a different opinion: Kennedy had a dead parasite in his brain.
In his interview conducted by The New York Times, Kennedy said the doctor thought the abnormality "was caused by a worm that got into my brain and ate a portion of it and then died." In the interview with The Times, Kennedy said that he recovered from memory loss and confusion and that he had no side effects from the parasite. He also claimed that he did not need further treatment.
"About the same time he learned of the parasite, he said, he was also diagnosed with mercury poisoning, most likely from ingesting too much fish containing the dangerous heavy metal, which can cause serious neurological issues," reported The New York Times.
Meanwhile, his campaign office reported that Kennedy does not have health problems and will stay in the electoral race.
The New York Times explained that "doctors who have treated parasitic infections and mercury poisoning said both conditions can sometimes permanently damage brain function, but patients also can have temporary symptoms and mount a full recovery."
Kennedy had previously revealed that he had cognitive problems. The New York Times reported in 2012 that he acknowledged that he was experiencing some health problems. During his divorce proceedings, he claimed that his earning potential had been diminished due to his cognitive difficulties.
