If you’ve ever watched a video of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaking and found yourself leaning in closer or wondering if he’s got a cold, you aren't the only one. His voice has a very distinct, gravelly, and sometimes strained quality that has sparked millions of Google searches. People often ask, what disease does RFK junior have, usually assuming it's a single condition.
The truth? It’s a bit more of a medical mosaic than a single diagnosis.
He’s been pretty open about his health, especially during his time in the public eye as a lawyer, author, and politician. While his voice is the most obvious sign of a chronic condition, he has also dealt with a few other bizarre medical hurdles over the decades, including a brain parasite and mercury poisoning.
The Mystery Behind the Voice: Spasmodic Dysphonia
The most prominent answer to what disease does RFK junior have is a rare neurological disorder called spasmodic dysphonia.
Basically, it’s a form of dystonia. That’s a fancy medical term for involuntary muscle contractions. In Kennedy’s case, it specifically targets the larynx—his voice box. Imagine your brain sending "glitchy" signals to your vocal cords. Instead of vibrating smoothly to create sound, the muscles spasm and tighten up.
He developed this back in 1996 when he was about 42. He’s described the onset as devastating, especially for someone whose entire career relies on public speaking.
There are a few types of this disorder, but Kennedy appears to have adductor spasmodic dysphonia. This is the most common version where the vocal folds slam shut and quiver, making the voice sound "strangled" or choppy.
- Is it painful? Not usually in a physical "ouch" way, but it's exhausting.
- Is there a cure? No. It's a lifelong deal.
- How is it treated? He gets Botox injections directly into his vocal cords every few months. It sounds intense, but the Botox actually weakens the muscles just enough to stop the spasms, making the voice smoother for a while.
That "Brain Worm" Story Isn't Urban Legend
You might have heard the headlines about a parasite. It sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, but Kennedy confirmed it in a 2012 deposition that came to light during his 2024 presidential campaign.
Back in 2010, he was struggling with some pretty scary symptoms: severe memory loss and "brain fog" that was so bad he worried he had a tumor. He went to the best doctors he could find. An MRI showed a dark spot on his brain.
Initially, neurologists at New York-Presbyterian Hospital thought it was a tumor. But another doctor had a different theory. After further review, they concluded the spot was actually a dead parasite.
Kennedy said the doctor told him a worm "ate a portion" of his brain and then died.
Medical experts, like those at the CDC and various infectious disease clinics, suggest it was likely neurocysticercosis. This happens when you accidentally ingest the eggs of a pork tapeworm (Taenia solium). Usually, this occurs through contaminated food or water, often during international travel. Kennedy traveled extensively in Asia and Africa, which is likely where he picked it up.
The good news? The worm died on its own. He didn't need surgery, and he has stated that his cognitive function fully recovered after that period of intense brain fog.
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Mercury Poisoning: Too Much Tuna?
Around the same time as the brain parasite scare, Kennedy was diagnosed with significant mercury poisoning. He’s been vocal about his love for fish, specifically tuna sandwiches, which he said he ate "all the time."
Mercury is a heavy metal that is neurotoxic. When it builds up in your system—a condition called hydrargyria—it can cause:
- Short-term memory loss.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Vision and hearing issues.
He claims his mercury levels were ten times higher than what the EPA considers safe. He eventually adjusted his diet and underwent chelation therapy (a medical process to strip heavy metals from the blood) and says he is now cleared of the toxicity.
Atrial Fibrillation (Afib)
To add to the list, Kennedy has also dealt with Atrial Fibrillation, commonly known as Afib. This is a heart rhythm disorder where the upper chambers of the heart beat out of sync with the lower chambers.
It can feel like your heart is "flopping" in your chest like a fish. He has mentioned having several hospitalizations for this over the years to "shock" his heart back into a normal rhythm. While it’s a common condition, especially as people age, it’s another layer in his complex medical history.
What This Means for His Health Today
If you're looking for the bottom line on what disease does RFK junior have, he is currently managing spasmodic dysphonia as his primary chronic condition. The parasite is gone, the mercury levels are down, and his Afib is something he monitors.
In 2026, as he continues his work in the public sphere—specifically his high-profile role in the Department of Health and Human Services—his voice remains his most visible (or audible) challenge. He’s noted that the more he speaks, the "stronger" his voice gets, though it still retains that signature rasp.
Actionable Takeaways if You Have Voice Issues
If you or someone you know sounds like RFK Jr., don't just assume it's "old age" or a permanent cold.
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- See a Specialist: Don't just go to a general practitioner. You need an Otolaryngologist (ENT) who specializes in "voice."
- Look for Triggers: Spasmodic dysphonia often gets worse with stress or fatigue.
- Explore Botox: It’s not just for wrinkles. It is the "gold standard" for treating the vocal spasms associated with this disease.
- Voice Therapy: While it won't cure the neurological "glitch," a speech-language pathologist can teach you "breath support" techniques to make speaking less of a chore.
Kennedy's health journey shows that even with a "strangled" voice and a history of strange parasites, it’s possible to remain highly active in a demanding career. It's a matter of management, not just "getting over it."