
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 12 biggest space stories of 2025 — according to you - 2
The Most Compelling Innovation Developments Somewhat recently - 3
Genesis Marks 10th Anniversary With Magma GT Concept Aimed at High-Performance Flagships - 4
Major railway disruptions persist as Germany braces for more snow - 5
Sentimental tree to shine at Arctic League annual broadcast
Fire Allegedly Triggered by Wedding Cake Sparkler Causes Venue to Go Up in Flames, Leaving Groom with Second-Degree Burns
Figuring out Significant Regulations and Guidelines for Organizations
Current Chateaus: Advancement and Style
Space station changes command, setting stage for Crew 11 departure
Kaiser Permanente affiliates to pay $556 million to resolve US claims alleging Medicare fraud
Dental Embed Developments: Upsetting Current Dentistry
MacArthur Foundation awards $100M to outbreak surveillance network, a boost amid global health cuts
From Modesty to Administration: Self-improvement in Interactive abilities
Washington resident contracts bird flu, first human case in U.S. since February













