
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
7 Extraordinary Efficiency Applications for Experts - 2
This Tiny Neon Frog Dwells in the Clouds - 3
Russia Creates New Military Branch Dedicated To Drone Warfare - 4
Vote in favor of the wide open action that revives your brain and soul! - 5
Portugal among EU countries with the most people working close to 50 hours a week
Argentina reportedly delaying embassy move over Israeli company's oil project near Falklands
Visual communication Programming for Fledglings
Fundamental Venture The board Apparatuses for Remote Groups
NASA says Maven spacecraft that was orbiting Mars has gone silent
Can scientists detect life without knowing what it looks like? Research using machine learning offers a new way
Instructions to Expand Your Smash 1500's Presentation: Tips and Deceives
Hamas urges Hezbollah to kidnap Israeli soldiers in wake of Knesset passing death penalty bill
These HGTV stars made a pledge to keep their kids off smartphones. Here's how it's going.
NASA probe captures stunning photos of Earth and moon on the way to infamous asteroid Apophis













