
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
Viruses aren’t all bad: In the ocean, some help fuel the food web – a new study shows how - 2
Air India chief resigns 10 months after devastating Ahmedabad crash and amid mounting financial troubles - 3
3 moms, 3 countries, 1 very familiar problem: Why child care costs still don't add up for families - 4
Vinicultural Investigation: A Survey of \Enjoying Fine Vintages\ Wine sampling - 5
Katz alleges Army Radio workers misled High Court in bid to halt closure
Euclid space telescope sees gorgeous cosmic cloud | Space photo of the day for Nov. 18, 2025
4 Electric Vehicle Brands: Execution, Unwavering quality, and Development
NASA releases new photos of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS
Ford Is Using a Chinese-Built Van to Fight Europe’s EV Price War
Here are 10 stores where you can get a free Thanksgiving turkey
Best Amusement Park Bite: What Do You Very much want to Crunch On?
'Women on the floor, riddled with bullets': Ex-hostage Rom Braslavski recounts 'horrors' of Oct. 7
EU Commission prepares €90bn Ukraine loan despite Hungary's veto
Presenting Nintendo's New Pastel Bliss Con Tones for Switch Gamers: 3 Smart Choices













