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 his Rainbow/PUSH organization said late Wednesday that the 84-year-old was under observation for progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a neurodegenerative disorder he has been 'managing for more than a decade' and received a diagnosis for in April.
'We appreciate all prayers at this time,' the statement noted.
There is uncertainty surrounding whether Jackson is experiencing both Parkinson's and PSP, as their symptoms can overlap, or if he solely has this year-confirmed PSP. A spokesperson for Rainbow/PUSH did not provide immediate clarity on the matter.
After announcing his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2017, Jackson continued to engage in public appearances, including recent participation at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. In 2023, he stepped down as leader of Rainbow/PUSH, with his son, Yusef Jackson, assuming the role of chief operating officer.
The elder Jackson has been using a wheelchair but remained actively involved in his organization until months ago, as family members indicated. Recently, his sons, U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson and Jesse Jackson Jr., a former Illinois congressman running for reelection, have been providing continuous care.
He has been facing difficulties in maintaining eye openness and speaking but has adapted to communicate with visitors. His son Jesse Jackson Jr. shared that Jackson can still 'squeeze your hand' as a form of communication.
The civil rights leader was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease over a decade ago. But his Rainbow/PUSH organization said late Wednesday that the 84-year-old was under observation for progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a neurodegenerative disorder he has been 'managing for more than a decade' and received a diagnosis for in April.
'We appreciate all prayers at this time,' the statement noted.
There is uncertainty surrounding whether Jackson is experiencing both Parkinson's and PSP, as their symptoms can overlap, or if he solely has this year-confirmed PSP. A spokesperson for Rainbow/PUSH did not provide immediate clarity on the matter.
After announcing his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2017, Jackson continued to engage in public appearances, including recent participation at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. In 2023, he stepped down as leader of Rainbow/PUSH, with his son, Yusef Jackson, assuming the role of chief operating officer.
The elder Jackson has been using a wheelchair but remained actively involved in his organization until months ago, as family members indicated. Recently, his sons, U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson and Jesse Jackson Jr., a former Illinois congressman running for reelection, have been providing continuous care.
He has been facing difficulties in maintaining eye openness and speaking but has adapted to communicate with visitors. His son Jesse Jackson Jr. shared that Jackson can still 'squeeze your hand' as a form of communication.
