
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
Iran war pushes Germany's deficit to 4.2% as growth outlook is cut by 50% - 2
Exploring Being a parent: A Survey of \Bits of knowledge and Guidance for Guardians\ Nurturing Book - 3
Figure out How to Involve a Brain science Certification in Showcasing - 4
What loving-kindness meditation is and how to practice it in the new year - 5
Palestinian infant freezes to death in Gaza as Israel keeps blocking aid
German economic institutes cut forecast in half over Iran war
Mars spacecraft images pinpoint comet 3I/ATLAS's path with 10x higher accuracy. This could help us protect Earth someday
Innovative Versatility: Examples of overcoming adversity from Entrepreneurs
Top 15 Web-based Entertainment Stages for Individual Marking
South America's Memorable Destinations: A Movement Guide
'Seditious behavior': Trump accuses Democrats who made video reminding the military not to follow illegal orders of a crime — but is it?
Bother Control Administrations for 2024: Decide for Your Home
Thousands of small fish defy gravity to climb Congo waterfall
Tesla Stock Hasn’t Looked This Cheap in a While













