
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
Four Dead in Last Month From Animal Attacks in Nepal - 2
Americans generally like wolves − except when we’re reminded of our politics - 3
As juries turn against social media for harming kids, Big Tech's invincibility starts to show cracks - 4
The year's first meteor shower and supermoon clash in January skies - 5
Stunning new James Webb Space Telescope images reveal 'hidden' stars being born
Purdue Pharma's deal means money for some victims, end of Purdue company name. Here's what to know
Activist vessel collides with krill trawler in Antarctic confrontation
Electric discovery on Mars! Scientists find tiny lightning bolts coming from Red Planet dust clouds
2 new malaria treatments announced as drug resistance grows
Understanding Preschool Projects: Cultivating Abilities and Advancement
Traveling Alone: An Excursion of Self-Disclosure
Extreme Manual for Picking a Camper Van
Pick Your Favored kind of soup
Really focusing on Succulents: Tips and Procedures













