
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
Find Wonderful Stream Voyage Objections On the planet - 2
Golden satellite insulation sparkles during test | Space photo of the day for Dec. 30, 2025 - 3
Scientists document a death from a meat allergy tied to certain ticks - 4
NASA's SPHEREx telescope completes its 1st cosmic map of the entire sky and it's stunning! - 5
Black Friday Paramount+ deal: Save 50% and stream these buzzy Taylor Sheridan shows
The Best Games Crossroads in History
Grasping the Elements of Medical caretaker Pay rates: Factors That Shape Your Pay
Turkey's Erdogan denounces Israel-Greece-Cyprus trilateral summit, affirms support for Gaza
The most effective method to Beat Dental Tension and Guarantee Customary Exams
The Golden Globes gift bag has nearly $1 million worth of swag for some winners and presenters. What's in it?
Becoming the best at Discussion: Individual Procedures
vote in favor of Your #1 kind of climate
Favored Vehicle for Seniors: Make Your Determination
US FDA unveils new pathway to approve personalized therapies













