
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
Factbox-Weight-loss drug developers line up to tap lucrative market as competition heats up - 2
An Aide On Upgrading Your FICO rating - 3
Two reportedly killed as Israel attacks Hezbollah targets in Lebanon - 4
I’m a neuroscientist who taught rats to drive − their joy suggests how anticipating fun can enrich human life - 5
The most effective method to Quick Track Your Outcome in Advanced Showcasing with a Web-based Degree
4 Family SUVs: Joining Solace and Style
Book excerpt: "Enough" by Dr. Ania Jastreboff and Oprah Winfrey
Step by step instructions to Deal with Your Time While Chasing after an Internet based Degree
Disney's latest short film 'Versa' tackles a difficult subject: Pregnancy loss. It's resonating with viewers.
Living in the dark: Gaza’s struggle for electricity
Was This Driver Simply Having Some good times Or Behaving Like An Ass?
$30K Disability Scam Implodes After Surf Trip in Mexico
Manual for 6 Busssiness Class Flights
Barry Manilow reveals lung cancer diagnosis and plans to undergo surgery: 'It's pure luck' it was 'found so early'












