The information was reported by Susanne Craig on Wednesday, who detailed Kennedy's health struggles that began with "memory loss and mental fogginess" in 2010.
Kennedy's health issues raised alarm among his friends, especially considering his late uncle, Ted Kennedy, succumbed to brain cancer in 2009. Initial brain scans revealed a "dark spot" that was initially suspected to be a tumor. However, a second opinion suggested a more peculiar diagnosis: a "dead parasite."
In the deposition, Kennedy explained, "The doctor believed that the abnormality seen on his scans was caused by a worm that got into my brain and ate a portion of it and then died." This deposition was part of the proceedings related to his divorce from his second wife, Mary Richardson Kennedy, who tragically took her own life in 2012 before the divorce was finalized.
WATCH: JIMMY FALLON MOCKS UPCOMING PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE
The issue of the parasite was brought up in the context of Kennedy's financial situation. He was arguing that his cognitive struggles had negatively impacted his earning potential.
WATCH: THE FASCINATING STORY OF BRIDGETTE GABRIEL
In the same deposition, Kennedy also mentioned other health conditions, describing a sensation as if "there's a bag of worms in my chest. I can feel immediately when it goes out."
Despite these health issues, Craig noted that Kennedy has been projecting an image of vitality throughout his campaign. He has positioned himself as a younger, more mentally and physically fit alternative to President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. This is despite his previous claims of being plagued by health issues.
TRUMP STAGES HUGE RETURN TO NEW YORK, SEE WHERE, WHEN AND HOW!
Kennedy has been seen skiing with professional athletes and working out at an outdoor gym in Venice Beach, often accompanied by a camera crew. However, his health history is more complex. For many years, Kennedy suffered from atrial fibrillation, a common heart condition that increases the risk of stroke or heart failure. He has been hospitalized at least four times due to this condition. However, he claimed in a recent interview that he had not experienced an episode in over a decade and believed the condition had disappeared.
FROM COAST TO COAST: DO YOU LIVE IN ONE OF AMERICA'S FASTEST-GROWING CITIES?
Around the same time he discovered the parasite, Kennedy was also diagnosed with mercury poisoning, likely from consuming excessive amounts of fish containing the dangerous heavy metal, which can lead to serious neurological issues.
"I have cognitive problems, clearly," he admitted in the 2012 deposition. "I have short-term memory loss, and I have longer-term memory loss that affects me."
TULIPS AND HIGH HOPES: THE BIZARRE BOTANICAL MIX-UP AT WISCONSIN'S CAPITOL!
Despite these health issues, Kennedy claimed in the interview that he had "fully recovered" from the memory loss. His campaign spokeswoman, Stefanie Spear, dismissed the notion that Kennedy was unfit to be president as "a hilarious suggestion, given the competition."
Discover alternative ideas that will make you think
Engage in mind bending debate
Earn points, rise in rank, have fun
