Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says he had a dead worm in his brain

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the son of the late Robert F. Kennedy and a controversial anti-vaxxer, says doctors suspected a worm had eaten part of his brain, according to a new report from The New York Times.

In a 2012 deposition, the 70-year-old described a number of his previous health problems, including some of the neurological symptoms that began appearing in 2010.

After struggling with severe memory loss and brain fog, doctors became concerned when one of his brain scans showed a dark spot that neurologists thought was a brain tumor.

But before a scheduled operation to remove the suspected tumor, another doctor at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital told Kennedy that they believed the mass was actually the remains of a dead parasite.

Kennedy said in the statement that the dark spot on his brain scans was “caused by a worm that entered my brain, ate part of it and then died,” the statement said The times. He noted that he is not sure how he became infected with the worm, but believes it happened during a trip to Southeast Asia.

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Kennedy – who is known for spreading debunked misinformation about COVID-19 and vaccinations – said the parasite’s effects did not require treatment.

Although he was able to recover, he said his cognitive symptoms may have been caused by elevated mercury levels, possibly from his diet and excessive seafood consumption. Blood tests showed his mercury levels were 10 times higher than the level the Environmental Protection Agency considers safe.

According to the Center for Disease Control, large amounts of methylmercury (organic mercury, largely associated with seafood consumption, but especially fish), can be consumed over weeks to months and can damage the nervous system.

Symptoms of mercury poisoning, which often build up over time, include depression, anxiety, tremors, irritability, memory problems, muscle weakness, vision problems, and problems speaking or hearing HealthyLine. It can also cause permanent brain damage.

While all fish contain some mercury, larger fish tend to have higher levels of the toxic metal.

In an interview with The times, he said he had recovered from the memory loss and dizziness and had no after-effects from the parasite, which he said did not require treatment. Stefanie Spear, a spokeswoman for the Kennedy campaign, was asked last week whether any of Mr. Kennedy’s health problems could affect his suitability for the presidency The times“That’s a hilarious suggestion given the competition.”