
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
NASA loses contact with its Maven spacecraft orbiting Mars for the past decade - 2
Yasser Abu Shabab's killing raises questions about Israel's militia strategy in Gaza - 3
Step by step instructions to Prepare with Senior Protection for Inward feeling of harmony. - 4
Thousands of Walgreens nasal spray bottles recalled. See which ones. - 5
Find the Captivating Professional flowerbeds of the US
The 15 Most Powerful Forerunners in Business
Golden 8-hour sleep adds 5 years to life
Climate leaders are talking about 'overshoot' into warming danger zone. Here's what it means
Figure out How to Explore the Infotainment Framework in the Slam 1500.
How to watch the ‘Wicked: One Wonderful Night’ special — now streaming
This widow influencer is using jokes to cope after her husband's death. It's OK if people don't get it.
Getting ready for a Mechanized World: 10 Positions That computer based intelligence Could Dominate
Find the Mysteries of Powerful Using time productively: Augmenting Efficiency and Proficiency
Real time features for Films and Programs












