
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
Visual communication Programming for Fledglings - 2
'The Housemaid' movie with Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried premieres this month. What the stars have said about the psychological thriller. - 3
Potential Houthi threat to Red Sea shipping could further damage global economy - 4
Former United Launch Alliance CEO Tory Bruno joins competitor Blue Origin for national security projects - 5
Figure out How to Track the Establishment of New 5G Pinnacles
NASA Artemis II tracker: Crew less than 60,000 miles from moon ahead of Monday flyby
Al-Sharaa denies he called for 80% of Syrians to return from Germany
‘I love this work, but it’s killing me’: The unique toll of being a spiritual leader today
Exploring the Difficulties of Beginning a Family: Individual Experiences
Sound and Delightful: 12 Nutritious Smoothie Recipes
Hilary Duff releases 'Mature,' her 1st song in 10 years
Volcanic eruption led to the Black Death, new research suggests
Craig the beer-ambassador elephant dies aged 54
Muslim nations condemn new Israeli death penalty law












