Unsolved History — Season 1, Episode 18: JFK: Altered Statesman

Episode synopsis

In the last ten years of his life, John F. Kennedy suffered from Addison's disease, a disorder in which the adrenal glands fail to produce the hormone cortisol, which helps the body respond to stress. While JFK denied allegations that he had the disease, one of its side effects was to give him a bronzed glow, which may have helped him look healthy in TV debates against Richard Nixon. JFK was taking the drug cortisone to treat the disease; the possibility is examined that he may have been overdosing on this drug, causing increased anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia and an increased sex drive. JFK also suffered from chronic back pain for which he took painkillers. ""Dr. Feelgood"" Max Jacobsen supplied JFK with amphetamines, but claimed they were vitamins, hormones and enzymes. Drug addiction may have played a role in the Cuban missile crisis, JFK's rumored infidelity, and even his own assassination.

About Unsolved History

Unsolved History is an American documentary television series that aired from 2002 to 2005. The program was produced by MorningStar Entertainment, Termite Art Productions, Lions Gate Television, and Discovery Communications for the Discovery Channel. The series lasted over three seasons and had a total of 47 episodes, in which a team of people, each with different skills, try to solve historical mysteries. As of 2007, the series airs on Investigation Discovery and occasionally on the Science Channel. However, episodes regarding the military are sometimes aired on the Military Channel.

More episodes from Season 1

• E1Gettysburg: Pickett's Charge
• E2The Death of the U.S.S. Maine
• E3Inside Hitler's Bunker
• E4Forensics in the White House
• E5Custer's Last Stand
• E6The Alamo
• E7The Iceman Mystery
• E8Pearl Harbor: Death of the Arizona
• E9The Death of the Red Baron
• E10Shoot-Out at the O.K. Corral
• E11The Boston Massacre
• E12JFK: Death in Dealey Plaza