
The Rev. Jesse Jackson was hospitalized on Wednesday and is under observation for a neurodegenerative condition, his organization, Rainbow PUSH Coalition, said in a statement.
Jackson, 84, has been managing the condition, called progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), for over a decade, according to the organization he founded.
“He was originally diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease; however, last April, his PSP condition was confirmed,” the organization said. “The family appreciates all prayers at this time.”
The disorder damages certain areas of the brain and affects a person’s walking, swallowing, balance and eye movements, according to the Mayo Clinic. The condition worsens over time and can lead to dangerous complications, including trouble swallowing and pneumonia.
The disease typically affects people over the age of 60, and symptoms can mimic those of Parkinson’s.
There is no cure for the disease, but treatment options to help with symptoms include physical and occupational therapy, Botox, antidepressants, eyeglasses with prism or bifocal lenses, and Parkinson’s disease medications.
In a 2017 statement following news of his Parkinson’s diagnosis, Jackson said that his family began noticing symptoms three years prior and that his father also had the disease.
Jackson became a civil rights icon in the 1960s, participating in marches alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and playing a pivotal role in movements for equality and justice. He ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988.
He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, by President Bill Clinton in August 2000.
Jackson founded the National Rainbow Coalition in 1984. It merged with Operation PUSH in September 1996 to form the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
latest_posts
- 1
Poll: Most are satisfied with their health insurance, but a quarter report denials or delays - 2
'Stranger Things' star debunks claims of 'unseen footage' from Season 5, Volume 2 as backlash intensifies ahead of the series finale - 3
The 15 Most Powerful Forerunners in Business - 4
The Significance of a Land Lawyer for Your Business - 5
Philippines evacuates 3,000 villagers after volcano activity raises alert level
Step by step instructions to Protect Your Speculations with Cd Rates
This Week In Space podcast: Episode 188 — A New NASA Leader Rises?
6 Hints to Upgrade Your Charm, In addition to Your Mentality
Watch Atlas V rocket launch its heaviest-ever payload early on April 4
Famous Kitchen Finishing Styles For 2024
Carina Nebula shines with white-blue stars | Space photo of the day for Jan. 5, 2026
German economic institutes cut forecast in half over Iran war
Heading to Florida for NASA's Artemis 2 moon launch? Here's what to know before you go
Triumph’s Gorgeous, Super-Affordable and Approachable New Street Motos Share a Heart But Not a Soul












