
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 Make a Dazzling Site in 5 Basic Advances - 2
Wisconsin judge sends Slender Man attacker back to mental health institution after group home escape - 3
Displaced Palestinian families suffer as heavy rains flood Gaza tent camps - 4
New movies to watch this weekend: See 'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery' in theaters, rent 'Bugonia,' stream 'Caught Stealing' on Netflix - 5
Birds at a college changed beak shapes during the pandemic. It might be a case of rapid evolution
The most effective method to Remain Ahead in the Most recent Advanced Patterns with a Web based Advertising Degree
Most loved Public Dish: Which One Addresses Its Nation Best?
Full Supreme Court to hear challenge to Judicial Selection Committee law
With more Moon missions on the horizon, avoiding crowding and collisions will be a growing challenge
Manual for Vegetarian Protein Powder
FDA proposes use of sunscreen ingredient popular in other countries
Poll: 62% of Americans would oppose U.S. military action in Greenland
Outside Lovers' Decision: Favored Climbing Rucksacks
Figure out How to Function Successfully with Your Auto Collision Legal advisor for the Best Result













