
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 Most Notable Design Brands of the 21st Hundred years - 2
The Best Computer games for Multiplayer Fun - 3
'Hero' who wrestled gun from Bondi shooter named as Ahmed al Ahmed - 4
CDC pauses dozens of types of lab testing during evaluation and in wake of downsizing - 5
7 Logically Demonstrated Techniques for Better Rest
I asked ChatGPT who would win a Golden Globes. Here's what it got right — and totally wrong.
A coup too far: Why Benin's rebel soldiers failed where others in the region succeeded
RFK Jr. says fewer flu shots for kids may be 'better.' What experts say.
Overlooked infertility care should be part of national health services, says WHO
'Euphoria' releases Season 3 trailer, premiere date: Watch Rue and Laurie finally face off
Yes, NASA's launching Artemis 2 astronauts to the moon on April Fools' Day. It's not a joke.
Individual Preparation Administrations to Raise Your Wellness Process
How the Iran war may affect your money and bills
Factbox-Weight-loss drug developers line up to tap lucrative market as competition heats up











