
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
Reclassifying Achievement: Individual Accounts of Seeking after Interests - 2
Famous Network programs in Europe and America - 3
Figure out How to Recognize the Right Areas for 5G Pinnacles\ - 4
Shredded cheese recall: Multiple brands sold at Aldi, Target and Walmart affected over potential metal fragment contamination - 5
Vote in favor of Your #1 Instructive Toy: Learning and Tomfoolery Joined
The Rhythms of the Street: Shipping's Tune in the Economy's Symphony
Italian court approves extradition to Germany of Ukrainian suspect in Nord Stream pipeline blast
Cygnus XL brings cargo to the ISS for 1st time | Space photo of the day for Dec. 1, 2025
From Fledgling to Master: Self-awareness in a Side interest
Wegmans recalls mixed nuts over salmonella contamination fears
10 Activities to Lift Your Consume and Bust Your Stomach
The Most Vital Crossroads in Olympic History
Dear Santa: I want Botox. Why cosmetic procedures are topping holiday wish lists.
Kids with smartphones by age 12 are at higher risk of health issues, study finds












