Rev. Jesse Jackson, 84, Hospitalized for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy After Originally Being Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease
- - Rev. Jesse Jackson, 84, Hospitalized for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy After Originally Being Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease
Gabrielle RocksonNovember 14, 2025 at 12:08 AM
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Rev. Jesse Jackson at the National Bar Association's annual convention on July 31, 2025 in Chicago -
Rev. Jesse Jackson has reportedly been hospitalized and is undergoing observation for progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP)
“He has been managing this neurodegenerative condition for more than a decade,” Rainbow PUSH Coalition, which was founded by the civil rights leader, announced, noting that Jackson, 84, had been admitted into the hospital, per CNN
Progressive supranuclear palsy is a brain disease that causes an individual to have issues with balance, swallowing, walking and eye movements, according to the Mayo Clinic
Rev. Jesse Jackson has reportedly been hospitalized and is undergoing observation for progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).
On Wednesday, Nov. 12, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, which was founded by the civil rights leader, announced that Jackson, 84, had been admitted into the hospital, according to CNN.
“He has been managing this neurodegenerative condition for more than a decade,” the organization said, per the outlet.
Their statement continued to note that, “He was originally diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease; however, last April, his PSP condition was confirmed. The family appreciates all prayers at this time."
Progressive supranuclear palsy is a brain disease that causes an individual to have issues with balance, swallowing, walking and eye movements, according to the Mayo Clinic. The condition is caused by damage to brain cells.
PEOPLE reached out to the Rainbow PUSH Coalition for comment, but they did not immediately respond.
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Rev. Jesse Jackson at the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 19, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois
“Progressive supranuclear palsy worsens over time and can lead to dangerous complications, such as pneumonia and trouble swallowing,” per Mayo Clinic. “There's no cure for progressive supranuclear palsy, so treatment focuses on managing the symptoms.”
Jackson, who founded the National Rainbow Coalition in 1984, has faced several health challenges in recent years.
Back in April 2021, he was hospitalized due to COVID-19.
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Jesse Jackson at the 37th National Equal Justice Awards Dinner at The Glasshouse on May 15, 2025 in New York City
"Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. (79) and Mrs. Jacqueline Jackson (77) have both tested positive for the COVID-19 virus and are in Northwestern Hospital. Doctors are currently monitoring the condition of both. Anyone who has been around either of them for the last five or six days should follow the CDC guidelines," the Rainbow PUSH Coalition wrote at the time.
He was then admitted to the hospital again later that year, after he fell and hit his head during an event at Howard University.
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