
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 launches science balloon in Antarctica | Space photo of the day for Dec. 22, 2025 - 2
Swap The Amalfi Coast For This Low-Cost Ligurian Seaside Town - 3
NASA astronauts to return from space early due to an 'unexpected medical issue.' What happened — and when are they coming home? - 4
The most effective method to Recuperate After a Dental Embed Strategy: A Far reaching Guide - 5
High Court freezes government move to shutter Army Radio pending ruling
Knesset FADC extends emergency draft for 280,000 IDF reservists until January 1
World’s tallest bridge and biggest museum named ‘greatest places of 2026’
Doctor's orders: Eat ice cream, and other tips for a long and healthy life
Ocean side Objections: Staggering Waterfront Breaks
Taylor Swift just released the 'Elizabeth Taylor' music video — but she's not the star of it
Proficient Cultivating Devices for a Lovely and Useful Nursery in 2024
The most effective method to Pick the Ideal Shrewd Bed for Your Special Rest Needs
Sahel coups push Africa to top of global democratic declines, report finds
Figure out How to Advance Space in Your Pre-assembled Home for Upgraded Usefulness













