CHICAGO (AP) — The Rev. Jesse Jackson, who has been receiving around-the-clock care at home, has been hospitalized with a rare neurological disorder according to his Chicago-based organization. The civil rights leader was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease over a decade ago but recently his Rainbow/PUSH organization stated that the 84-year-old is under observation for progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a neurodegenerative disorder he has been managing for years and received a diagnosis for in April.
The family appreciates all prayers at this time, the statement disclosed. It's unclear if Jackson suffers from both Parkinson’s and PSP, which share similar symptoms, or solely the confirmed PSP.
Despite his diagnosis, after going public with Parkinson’s in 2017, Jackson continued to make public appearances, participating in events like the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. In 2023, he stepped down as leader of his Rainbow/PUSH organization, passing the baton to his son, Yusef Jackson.
While using a wheelchair, family members report that Jackson remained active in the office until just months ago. Recently, his family, including sons U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson and Jesse Jackson Jr., have been providing 24-hour care in shifts.
Though he struggles to keep his eyes open and is unable to speak, he has developed alternative ways to communicate, such as squeezing the hands of visitors as a form of response, his son Jesse Jackson Jr. shared last month.
The family appreciates all prayers at this time, the statement disclosed. It's unclear if Jackson suffers from both Parkinson’s and PSP, which share similar symptoms, or solely the confirmed PSP.
Despite his diagnosis, after going public with Parkinson’s in 2017, Jackson continued to make public appearances, participating in events like the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. In 2023, he stepped down as leader of his Rainbow/PUSH organization, passing the baton to his son, Yusef Jackson.
While using a wheelchair, family members report that Jackson remained active in the office until just months ago. Recently, his family, including sons U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson and Jesse Jackson Jr., have been providing 24-hour care in shifts.
Though he struggles to keep his eyes open and is unable to speak, he has developed alternative ways to communicate, such as squeezing the hands of visitors as a form of response, his son Jesse Jackson Jr. shared last month.
