
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
Herzog, German Chancellor Merz discuss final Gaza hostage, Arrow 3 exchange in Jerusalem - 2
How did Hugh Jackman nail his latest role? Sequins, tighty-whities and embracing 'zero embarrassment.' - 3
Tech Devices 2023: The Most blazing Arrivals of the Year - 4
Clones of Stumpy, Washington D.C.'s beloved cherry blossom tree, have flowered for the first time - 5
Poland Crypto Bill Clears Sejm Again, Defying President — Will “Restrictive” Rules Stick?
2025 Yachting Editors' Choice Awards: Yachts
'Not the moon that I'm used to seeing': Artemis II astronauts describe seeing the far side
Paul Feig loves a plot twist. Why not reboot 'Die Hard' starring a woman?
Israel reports killing another senior Iranian oil official
4 DSLR Cameras for Amateurs in 2024
Peruvian ex-President Martin Vizcarra sentenced to 14 years in prison
'No middle ground' for tackling antisemitism after Bondi Beach mass shooting, deputy FM Haskel says
Insurance warning signs in doctors’ offices might discourage patients from speaking openly about their health
Figure out How to Consolidate Cutting edge innovations in Senior's SUVs













