You've probably heard it. That raspy, gravelly, sometimes strained sound that comes through whenever Robert F. Kennedy Jr. steps up to a microphone. It's distinctive. It’s also led a lot of people to hit Google wondering, "Does RFK Jr. have a disease?"
Honestly, it’s a fair question. The voice isn't just a "smoker’s cough" or a bad cold that won't go away. It is the result of a legitimate, long-term medical condition. But it’s not just one thing people talk about when it comes to his health history. Between the voice, the headlines about a "brain worm," and his past struggles with mercury, there is a lot to unpack.
The Voice: Spasmodic Dysphonia Explained
The most visible (or audible) issue is a neurological disorder called spasmodic dysphonia. Kennedy wasn't born with this. In fact, he often mentions he had a very strong, clear voice until his early 40s. Then, around 1996, things started to change. He began to notice a tremble. Speech became effortful.
Basically, spasmodic dysphonia (often called laryngeal dystonia) causes the muscles inside your voice box to spasm involuntarily. Think of it like a "charley horse" in your throat. When you try to speak, your vocal cords either slam shut or fly open at the wrong times. RFK Jr. has the most common version, known as adductor spasmodic dysphonia, where the vocal folds tighten up, creating that "strangled" or shaky quality.
It’s rare. We’re talking about 1 in 100,000 people.
✨ Don't miss: Ankle Stretches for Runners: What Most People Get Wrong About Mobility
He’s been pretty open about how much he dislikes it. He told the Los Angeles Times he "can't stand" the sound of his own voice and feels bad for people who have to listen to him. Interestingly, the condition is task-specific. This means while talking is hard, many people with this disease can sing, laugh, or even whisper without any spasms at all.
Is there a cure?
Short answer: No.
But there are ways to manage it. For years, the "gold standard" has been Botox injections. Doctors literally stick a needle into the vocal cord muscles to partially paralyze them, which stops the spasms. It works, but it wears off every few months. Recently, Kennedy traveled to Kyoto, Japan, for a more permanent surgical fix. They basically put tiny titanium bridges between the vocal folds to keep them from squeezing too tight. Since that surgery in late 2023, his voice has actually sounded a bit smoother, though the underlying condition remains.
That "Brain Worm" Headline
You might remember the media frenzy in 2024 about a parasite. During a 2012 deposition (related to a divorce), Kennedy mentioned that doctors found a dead parasite in his brain. He famously quipped that a worm "got into my brain and ate a portion of it and then died."
🔗 Read more: Can DayQuil Be Taken At Night: What Happens If You Skip NyQuil
Medical experts later weighed in, noting that parasites don't usually "eat" brain tissue like a snack. Instead, it was likely neurocysticercosis. This happens when you accidentally ingest the eggs of a pork tapeworm. The larvae can travel to the brain and form a cyst. When the parasite dies, the body’s immune response causes inflammation, which can lead to "brain fog," memory loss, or even seizures.
Kennedy says he suffered from significant cognitive issues and memory loss around 2010 because of this. However, he maintains that the parasite died on its own, the symptoms cleared up, and he didn't need surgery for it. By the time he hit the 2024 and 2026 political stages, he claimed to be in "robust" health with no lingering mental effects.
Mercury Poisoning and Diet
Around the same time as the parasite discovery, Kennedy was also diagnosed with mercury poisoning. This wasn't from a vaccine or an environmental spill; it was from his diet.
He was a massive fan of tuna fish sandwiches. He ate them constantly.
💡 You might also like: Nuts Are Keto Friendly (Usually), But These 3 Mistakes Will Kick You Out Of Ketosis
Tests eventually showed his mercury levels were roughly 10 times what the EPA considers safe. Mercury is a heavy metal that acts as a neurotoxin. It can cause:
- Short-term and long-term memory loss.
- "Foggy" thinking.
- Coordination issues.
Between the dead worm and the heavy metal toxicity, he was in a rough spot cognitively for a while. He eventually cleared the mercury out of his system through chelation and dietary changes (less tuna, more "real food") and has since become a vocal advocate for cleaning up the American food supply.
Why This Still Matters in 2026
As of early 2026, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is serving as the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). His personal health history has directly shaped his policy platform. His focus on "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) stems from his own experience with chronic illness and environmental toxins.
Whether it’s pushing for new dietary guidelines or questioning the safety of ultra-processed foods, his medical journey is always in the background. He’s no longer just a guy with a shaky voice; he’s the person in charge of the nation’s health bureaucracy.
Actionable Insights for You
If you or someone you know is struggling with voice changes or cognitive issues similar to what Kennedy described, here are the practical steps to take:
- Consult a Laryngologist: If your voice has been raspy for more than two weeks, don't just see a general GP. Find a board-certified laryngologist who can perform a videostroboscopy to see your vocal cords in slow motion.
- Test Your Heavy Metals: if you eat high-mercury fish (tuna, swordfish, king mackerel) more than twice a week and feel "foggy," ask your doctor for a blood or hair mercury test.
- Food Safety First: Avoid undercooked pork and ensure high-standard hygiene when traveling in areas where tapeworm infections are common to prevent parasites like neurocysticercosis.
- Speech Therapy: Even if you don't have spasmodic dysphonia, vocal hygiene—like staying hydrated and avoiding "vocal fry"—can prevent long-term damage to your voice box.
Kennedy's health is a mix of rare neurological events and common environmental exposures. It’s a reminder that even "the elite" aren't immune to the weird ways the human body can glitch.