
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
Warning for snow and ice extended - 2
Safeguarding Your Senior Protection Against Extortion and Tricks. - 3
Chris Noth responds to backlash after seemingly shading 'Sex and the City' costar Sarah Jessica Parker: 'It is not news' - 4
Will Comet C/2025 R3 (PanSTARRS) be the 'great comet' of 2026? - 5
7 Popular Vacation destinations In China
Early Thanksgiving week forecast: Where Americans can expect cold, rain and snow for the holiday
Deadly Switzerland ski resort fire was likely started by sparklers attached to champagne bottles, officials say
What's the Fate of 5G Innovation?
Is new Harry Styles music on the way? Fans think so, after a cryptic website and posters pop up.
One spent $20 on candy. Another paid $700 for a custom costume. Here's how Halloween costs stacked up this year.
I read 115 books this year. 'Wuthering Heights,' 'Heart the Lover' and 'The House of My Mother' were among my 10 favorites.
Russia patents space station designed to generate artificial gravity
How stripping diversity, equity and inclusion from health care may make Americans sicker
Which Startup's Innovation Could Reform Medical care?












