
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
San Francisco sues 10 companies that make ultraprocessed food - 2
Watch comet C/2026 A1 plunge toward the sun online this week - 3
NATO official says members often aren't buying weapons together, and it's a mistake - 4
Motivational Travel Objections for History Buffs - 5
Protester climbs on to balcony of Iranian embassy in London
Top notch Remote Earphones for Audiophiles
Tzrifin base exhibition reveals Hamas and Hezbollah arms, showing structure behind attacks
How to track NASA’s Artemis II and Orion’s journey to the moon
Watch India launch advanced military satellite on rocket's 1st flight since May 2025 failure
Forget 'Outer Banks.' These Gen Z-ers just want to watch 'M*A*S*H*' and 'Gilmore Girls.'
Bonk.fun’s April Fools Joke Targets Israel, Sparks Debate
After fleeing past Hezbollah fighting, some Israelis on northern border vow to stay
Radiate brilliantly: The 5 Precious stone Rings to Purchase in 2024
Hanwha Ocean secures orders worth $866m for five vessels












