
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
The Benefits of Rehearsing Careful Nurturing - 2
China’s new condom tax will prove no effective barrier to country’s declining fertility rate - 3
Figure out How to Augment Eco-friendliness in Your Volvo XC40 - 4
Tire Brands for Senior Drivers: Guaranteeing Security and Solace - 5
The 10 Most Famous Style Minutes on Honorary pathway
The Way to Business: Startup Illustrations Learned
'Malcolm in the Middle' reboot releases 1st trailer, reuniting Frankie Muniz and Bryan Cranston: Watch here
When does Spotify Wrapped come out? The music streamer says 'soon.'
Manual for Wonderful Getaway destination
Study reveals links between global food systems, obesity, and climate change
Saturn shines with the waxing moon at sunset on Nov. 29
Divorce filings, feuds and legal trouble: The 'Mormon Wives' drama keeps piling up
These 2 companies are teaming up to offer insurance for space debris strikes on satellites
8 key takeaways from Savannah Guthrie's 'Today' interview on the disappearance of her mother












