Fears over Donald Trump's health have been raised after the US President appeared to fall asleep during a Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Dr Jonathan Reiner, a medical professor, expressed concern that the incident could be a sign of chronic insomnia, a condition that can increase the risk of dementia and cognitive decline in older people.
Trump, who turns 80 next month, has frequently dismissed concerns about his health, insisting he is fighting fit. However, Dr Reiner told CNN that the President has 'severe daytime somnolence' and has been observed falling asleep on multiple occasions, including in the Oval Office while people were speaking to him.
The President is scheduled to undergo a medical examination on Tuesday at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, described by the White House as an annual preventative check-up. This will be his fourth publicly disclosed exam since returning to office for a second term, and comes as he seeks to project strength ahead of midterm elections.
Dr Jeffrey Kuhlman, a former White House physician, noted that concern for Trump's physical health is at an 'all-time high', with advanced age being the primary worry. A recent poll found that fewer than half of US adults believe Trump has the mental sharpness or physical health to serve effectively as president.
