
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 gay hockey show no one saw coming — and everyone is suddenly obsessed with - 2
Explainer-Why are hepatitis B vaccines given to newborns? - 3
FDA approves Wegovy pill for weight loss: What to know - 4
The Conclusive Manual for Spending plan Travel: Opening Undertakings on a Tight budget - 5
‘I love this work, but it’s killing me’: The unique toll of being a spiritual leader today
Euclid space telescope sees gorgeous cosmic cloud | Space photo of the day for Nov. 18, 2025
Rachael Ray is navigating grief this holiday season. She doesn't have time for 'negative energy' on the internet.
Damaged launch pad: How long before Russia can send astronauts to the ISS again?
New York to require social media platforms to display mental health warnings
Grasping Various Kinds of Local misdemeanors
Pick Your Favored kind of sandwich
Novo Nordisk gears up for December Ozempic launch in India, sources say
'Senseless violence' erupts at Christmas tree lighting; 4 injured
Your big brain makes you human – count your neurons when you count your blessings













