I know that many people have diagnosed Trump as a psychopath, sociopath or narcissist. But frankly his dementia is the most visible and likely — specifically, his progressive Alzheimer’s. His father died of Alzheimer’s (yes, people do die of it as the brain deteriorates and results in major organ failure). And there is definitely a strong genetic component — especially when it’s an immediate relative.
In 2015, when he announced he was running, a number of people who knew him well commented that he didn’t seem as “with it” as he used to be. And this language had become much less sophisticated. During his term, there was clear evidence that it was getting progressively worse. Word finding issues, memory problems, repetitive phrases, and sometimes, incoherence. Frankly, I think the White House staff did their best to hide how bad it had gotten from the public. Now, that he is out of office, he seems to have much less protection.
His most recent rally in Texas seemed to leave his followers confused — even they couldn’t understand what the hell he was saying. He was more incoherent than usual.
The disease progression for Alzheimer’s is about 5 to 8 years from diagnosis to death — per the Alzheimer’s Association. And it progresses from early, middle and late stage. If we take 2016 as the starting point when some symptoms were beginning to be apparent and we assume the longer time frame, then he is most likely in the middle stage — he can more or less function but his cognitive issues become more pronounced. By 2024, he could be in late stage or possibly even close to death.
He has major risk factors for dementia including hypertension and elevated cholesterol. And I assume that since he is obese, never exercises and has a terrible diet, that he probably has elevated blood sugar or Type II diabetes.
It’s going to reach the point, where he is going be even more incoherent and really and truly babbling. Or even not able to communicate much at all or even dead. I think those who are seeing him up close are probably getting really nervous. They are fully aware of what happened to Ronald Reagan after he left office. They may try to keep him for appearing in public. But frankly, it’s not going to be very long before he is just incapable of even speaking in front of a group.
The disease progression represents averages and he could well exceed those averages. But after hearing about his latest rally and the confusion of his big supporters, I think he’s deteriorating quickly. I just don’t think he will be in any shape to run in 2024. What happens if he doesn’t is another story.