For all we know the guy could be a "veg." I always groan when countries attempt to carry on the pretense that everything is normal when everyone on planet Earth knows it isn't true.
And it's not just repressive Communist countries either. I remember when Pope John Paul was dying and the Vatican would issue some statement like "his serene Holiness is resting comfortably in the nurturing hands of our Lord." In truth his systolic was dropping like a rock and the Vatican physicians were collectively thinking wow, we have a real balls-up here!
And what about celebrities? About ten years ago Frank Sinatra's health was failing fast, he hadn't been seen in public for almost a year and yet his PR people were sending these incredible memos to the media. "Mr. Sinatra is devoting all his energies to his family on this joyous and festive Christmas season." Right- like he was personally preparing the roast beast. In truth the guy was a drooling mess and died five months later.