Joe Biden, who was deemed fit for the US Presidential race, ends campaign: Here's what might have happened

Joe Biden has decided to end his campaign for re-election and nominate Kamala Harris, the current Vice President, as the Democratic candidate, citing the need to focus on his presidential duties. This decision follows scrutiny over his health and mental acuity, especially after a recent bout with COVID-19 and a lackluster debate performance.

“While it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and focus entirely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term,” stated Biden.

Joe Biden tested positive for COVIDBiden, 81, who is the oldest individual to have been president, tested positive for COVID-19 last week and has not appeared in public since then. He has been isolating at his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

A recent update from The White House informed that President Biden completed his eighth dose of PAXLOVID and his symptoms have significantly improved. His vital signs, including pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature, remain normal, and his oxygen saturation is excellent. His lungs also remain clear, according to Kevin C. O'Connor, the Physician to the President.

"Genomic sequencing has determined that the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) variant which the President has encountered is the KP.2.3 variant," said The White House in a statement citing Kevin C. O'Connor.

The June 27 debateConcerns over Biden's health were further spurred by his poor performance in the June 27 debate, leading many Democrats to urge him to withdraw from the race. Speculation about his mental acuity grew with reports of frequent visits by Dr. Kevin Cannard, an expert on Parkinson's disease, who reportedly visited the White House eight times from last summer to this spring.

In response to these rumors, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre clarified Biden's health status, stating, "Has the president been treated for Parkinson's? No. Is he being treated for Parkinson's? No, he's not. Is he taking medication for Parkinson's? No."

As one's age progresses, several changes, deterioration especially, are seen. These can be attributed to various factors. Age-related changes in the brain, such as decreased neurotransmitter levels and neuronal connections, contribute to cognitive decline. These changes may impair memory, attention, and processing speed. Moreover, the accumulation of cellular damage and oxidative stress over a lifetime increases susceptibility to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's.

Parkinson's risk rises due to the gradual loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, affecting movement and cognition. Genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices also play significant roles.

"Will speak in detail"Biden indicated that he would provide more details about his decision later in the week. "I will speak to the Nation later this week in more detail about my decision," he wrote in a letter that he posted.