Rev. Jesse Jackson, 84, Hospitalized for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy After Originally Being Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease

Rev. Jesse Jackson has reportedly been hospitalized and is under observation for progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).

On Wednesday, Nov. 12, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition — the organization Jackson founded — announced his hospital admission, according to CNN. “He has been managing this neurodegenerative condition for more than a decade,” the organization said. They added that Jackson was initially diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, but doctors confirmed his PSP condition earlier this year in April. The statement concluded by expressing the family’s gratitude for continued prayers.

Progressive supranuclear palsy is a rare brain disorder that affects balance, movement, speech, swallowing and eye coordination, per the Mayo Clinic. The disease is caused by damage to brain cells and gradually worsens over time, with treatments focused on managing symptoms rather than providing a cure.

Jackson, 84, has experienced multiple serious health challenges in recent years. In April 2021, he was hospitalized after contracting COVID-19, along with his wife Jacqueline. At the time, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition noted that both were being closely monitored by doctors and advised anyone who had recently been around them to follow CDC guidelines.

Later that same year, Jackson was hospitalized again after a fall at Howard University resulted in a head injury.