
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
The Significance of a Land Lawyer for Your Business - 2
37 Things Just Individuals Experiencing childhood during the 80s Will Comprehend - 3
Vote In favor of Your Favored Treat - 4
Figurine of a woman and a goose offers peek at prehistoric beliefs - 5
Israeli media reports Iran attacking greater Tel Aviv region
'Not the moon that I'm used to seeing': Artemis II astronauts describe seeing the far side
Aspirin can prevent a serious pregnancy complication — but too few women get it, new report suggests
We may have less control over how long we live than previously thought
Big Bear glows with big stars | Space photo of the day for Dec. 31, 2025
Popular Home Rug Series For You
Fossils from China show complex life evolved millions of years earlier than once thought
Israel faces widespread condemnation as NGO ban comes into effect
Solid Living Tips: Experiences from a Wellness Fan
Dominating Your Cash: The Fundamental Manual for Overseeing Individual accounting records













