
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 Pick the Right Teeth Substitution Choice for You - 2
What's an atmospheric river? AP explains the weather phenomenon - 3
Help Your Efficiency with These Work area Updates - 4
Instructions to Back Your Sunlight powered chargers: Tracking down Possible Choices - 5
Congo declares its latest Ebola outbreak over, after 43 deaths
IDF finds weapon of slain hostage Capt. Daniel Perez in booby-trapped Gaza compound
I went to Japan during peak cherry blossom season and found an easy way to escape the crowds at popular tourist attractions
The most effective method to Promoter for Cutthroat Medical attendant Compensations in Your Medical services Office
Tragedy in Minnesota, vaccine news, Snoop's game call: Week in review
Vote in favor of your Number one Kind of Gems
Activists: Venezuela released just nine prisoners despite promise
Going with Children: Tips for Tranquil Family Get-aways
Figure out How to Remain Persuaded During Your Internet based Degree Program
The 15 Most Powerful Forerunners in Business













