
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
Forget 'Outer Banks.' These Gen Z-ers just want to watch 'M*A*S*H*' and 'Gilmore Girls.' - 2
Hamas propaganda expert explains Israel's internal conflicts influenced Hamas's Oct. 7 assault - 3
Scientists detect X-ray glow from interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS extending 250,000 miles into space - 4
Step by step instructions to Choose the Right Internet based Degree Program for Your Future - 5
Land Rover Just Unveiled Its Dakar Rally Defender
South African radio presenter among five charged over Russia recruitment plot
The World's Dazzling Regular Miracles
What Yogurt Types Do You Know
German finance minister seeks better market access in China talks
Fiber is something most people could use more of. But experts advise caution with 'fibermaxxing'
Understanding Preschool Projects: An Extensive Aide
Your guide to how to safely thaw and cook your Thanksgiving turkey this year, according to experts
Trouvez La Carte De Cr\u00e9dit Id\u00e9ale Pour Vos Besoins En Belgique
Figure out How to Score Huge with Open Record Rewards













