The Frequently Impaired Health of Leaders of Nuclear Weapon States: An Analysis of 51 Deceased Leaders

This descriptive study examined biographical data on the health conditions of 51 deceased leaders of the nine nuclear weapon states. It found that eight (17%) died from chronic disease while in office, with a mean of 3.9 health conditions per person (range: 1 to 10). A majority of these eight (62%) had cardiovascular disease and other conditions included personality disorders, depression, substance use disorders, and cognitive decline from multi-infarct dementia. Of the leaders leaving office alive, 15 (38%) were considered to have had health reasons playing a potential role in this departure. This group had a mean of 2.9 health conditions per person (range: 1 to 5), and all plausibly had their performance in office impaired by their health conditions (e.g., via a severe stroke, severe depression, likely personality disorders, mood and anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders). In conclusion, these findings indicate that physical and mental health conditions among leaders of these nuclear weapon states have been common (45% [23/51] of the leaders studied). Given the importance of the decision-making around nuclear weapons by political leaders, further research on this group should be prioritized.