
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 most effective method to Decide the Best Auto Crash Attorney for Your Lawful Necessities - 2
The World's Dazzling Regular Miracles - 3
Watch Blue Origin's huge New Glenn rocket ace its epic landing on a ship at sea (video) - 4
Damaged Shenzhou-20 spacecraft to return to Earth uncrewed for inspection - 5
A definitive Manual for Picking Electric Vehicle: Decision in favor of Your Number one
Nitty gritty Manual for Picking Agreeable Tennis shoes
Trump administration launches new immigration crackdowns in New Orleans and Minneapolis. Here are all the cities it has targeted so far.
Congress is running out of time to extend ACA subsidies as the GOP moves on to an alternative plan. Here's where things stand.
Zelensky names spy chief to head presidential office after corruption row
Amy Poehler's podcast is a hit. It's also a Trojan horse for talking about women and aging.
'The Real Housewives of Rhode Island' 1st teaser trailer unveiled: Which Bachelor Nation star is part of the cast? And when does it premiere?
The Main 10 Natural life Protection Associations
Most loved Road Food: Which One Prevails upon You?
The most effective method to Help a Friend or family member Determined to have Cellular breakdown in the lungs











