
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
Ukrainian foreign minister appeals for funds for drones - 2
Here's how 'Bridgerton' fans can watch the first episode of Season 4 before its Netflix release later this month - 3
One killed, several injured in Iran missile barrage on southern, central Israel - 4
Russia Establishing Long-Range Drone Bases In Belarus, Warns Ukraine - 5
Old age isn’t a modern phenomenon – many people lived long enough to grow old in the olden days, too
Brilliant and Gleaming: Excellence and Skincare Practices
Argentina joins NASA’s moon return with microsatellite testing GPS beyond Earth
The most exciting exoplanet discoveries of 2025
1st-ever disease gene fix, Alzheimer's blood test: 7 medical breakthroughs in 2025
Factbox-Artemis II crew includes first woman, Black astronaut and Canadian ever flown to moon
Artemis 2 moon rocket gets 'America 250' paint job | Space photo of the day for Dec. 23, 2025
Vote in favor of the Web-based Work out schedule to Keep You Fit and Sound
McDonald's is bringing two 'KPop Demon Hunters' meals to McDonald's. Here's what they include and when they launch.
Voting begins in Uganda’s presidential election during internet shutdown and polling station delays












