
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
Pilot captures jaw-dropping northern lights show from 36,000 feet (photos) - 2
The Best 15 Applications for Efficiency and Association - 3
Investigation reveals sperm donor passed on cancer risk to dozens of children across Europe - 4
Hubble sees spiral galaxy in Lion's heart | Space photo of the day for Nov. 4 - 5
At least 11 killed in South Africa mass shooting
Vote in favor of your Favored Travel Movement
The most effective method to Guarantee Thorough Inclusion in Senior Protection.
Home Machine Basics: An Exhaustive Purchasing Guide
Tens of thousands protest as far-right AfD forms new youth group
Judge sets $60K bond for Florida congresswoman accused of stealing $5M in COVID-19 funds
'Stranger Things' made him a heartthrob. He left Hollywood anyway.
I decided to become a single mother by choice. I wasn't ready to stop dating.
7 Moves toward a Sound and Dynamic Way of life
New movies to watch this week: See 'Marty Supreme' in theaters, rent 'Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere,' stream 'Cover-Up' on Netflix













