
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
Venezuelans in Madrid celebrate Maduro's capture - 2
The Best Web-based Courses for Ability Advancement - 3
A Gastronomic Experience in Healthy Enjoyments: A Survey of \Nutritious and Tasty\ Solid Cooking Recipe Book - 4
Nuno Loureiro, MIT physicist, fatally shot at home; police investigate - 5
Ghassan Al-Duhaini to replace Abu Shabab as Popular Forces leader in Gaza
New movies to watch this weekend: See 'The Running Man' in theaters, rent 'One Battle After Another,' stream 'Nobody 2' on Peacock
Judge sets $60K bond for Florida congresswoman accused of stealing $5M in COVID-19 funds
Nature carves colossal snowman in Siberia | Space photo of the day for Jan. 2, 2026
Vote in favor of Your #1 Instructive Toy: Learning and Tomfoolery Joined
Step by step instructions to Choose the Right Internet based Degree Program for Your Future
Best Internet based Course for Learning Another Dialect: Which Stage Do You Like?
Ober Gabelhorn glacier reveals remains of man missing for over three decades
Instructions to Discuss Successfully with Your Auto Collision Lawyer
New Cheetos and Doritos will be free of artificial dyes













