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Does Dianne Feinstein have Alzheimer's? Senator, 87, files for reelection as Internet says 'retire with grace'

'Many familiar with Feinstein’s situation describe her as seriously struggling and say it has been evident for several years'

Dianne Feinstein, according to documents that have been filed with the Federal Election Commission (FEC), is already set to run for another term in the Senate. The form titled Statement of Candidacy designates her for Senate. A LAmag article revealed that Feinstein's election campaign committee started fundraising in May, 2019. Already 87, Feinstein is the oldest sitting US Senator and will turn 91 years of age in 2024, making her 97 when that term ends should she win her re-election. “I don’t feel my cognitive abilities have diminished. Do I forget something sometimes? Quite possibly. We do get things done and we do pass bills. You do get older, that’s true. But I have been productive," she told the Los Angeles Times last month.

Does Dianne Feinstein have Alzheimer's?

We had earlier reported that Feinstein's "cognitive decline" had left staff in a "bad position." There were said to be rumors among the senator's aides about her 'memory loss' with one aide saying, “The staff is in such a bad position. They have to defend her and make her seem normal.” On December 10, 2020, The New Yorker published an article with the title: 'Dianne Feinstein’s Missteps Raise a Painful Age Question Among Senate Democrats.' While the article does not use the word 'Alzheimer's', it does speak of the Senator's 'cognitive decline.'

"Many familiar with Feinstein’s situation describe her as seriously struggling and say it has been evident for several years. Speaking on background, and with respect for her accomplished career, they say her short-term memory has grown so poor that she often forgets she has been briefed on a topic, accusing her staff of failing to do so just after they have," says a part of the article. Videos of the senator have been interpreted as proof that the rumors of her memory loss might be true. 

"Did anyone else catch Dianne Feinstein repeating her question to Jack Dorsey of Twitter at the hearing today? Within 2 minutes she asked the same question twice. Maybe it's time to pass the baton? She's accomplished a lot for the Democratic Party over the years..but #DianneFeinstein," wrote one user posting a video of Feinstein. The video is of Jack Dorsey's Senate testimony where Feinstein, after asking the same questions twice, doesn't realize she had done so.

Reactions to Feinstein's reelection filing

"Dianne Feinstein should step down. California has a goldmine full of impressive political talent, it’s time for her to pass the torch. If she runs again, I will work the campaign of whoever primaries her, and ensure she’s defeated," wrote one user. Another added, "Please reconsider, @SenFeinstein. I've always supported you, but it's time to pass the torch. Thank you for your years of service." Yet another added, "We are in a crisis and a day of reckoning. It's time to move on and move fast. @SenFeinstein, like a 35-year-old professional athlete, needs to retire with grace." Another brought up the memory loss claims adding, "Feinstein #Feinstein 2024 Senate campaign. California WAKE UP. Do not let somebody who basically has Alzheimer's advance even past your jungle primary."