There are specialists who are following him. Doctors have been talking more openly, albeit generically, about the problem. Alzheimer's is a progressive degenerative ailment that impairs memory, thinking and behaviour. Uncontrollable shaking of that hand led to persistent speculation that the pope suffers from Parkinson's, a progressive disorder caused by the deterioration of nerve cells in the brain. Other Vatican officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, have said Parkinson's may be a likely diagnosis.
Doctors say the pope has recuperated flawlessly from surgery to remove an inflamed appendix.
They admit, however, that other medical specialists are evaluating the pope. Gemelli doctors refuse to comment on any aspect of the pope's health beyond the recent operation. But they repeatedly have said Parkinson's does not affect mental capacity and its deterioration on mobility can be slowed. The pontiff repeatedly waved to the crowd outside the hospital, including a large group of supporters of the Solidarity trade union from his native Poland. Patients, some in bathrobes, packed balconies as they did to greet him before his Tuesday operation.