Through Candid Edwards
November 13, 2025
Jackson has been battling the rare neurodegenerative disease Progressive Supranuclear Palsy for years.
Civil rights icon Pastor Jesse Jackson has been hospitalized and is “under observation” at a Chicago hospital.
On November 12, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition announced that Jackson has been battling the rare neurodegenerative disorder progressive supranuclear palsy for years. The coalition revealed that the 84-year-old’s condition is currently being treated at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, with additional updates pending.
“He has been managing this neurodegenerative condition for over a decade,” Rainbow PUSH’s statement read. “He was originally diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, but his PSP condition was confirmed last April. The family appreciates all prayers at this time.”
Progressive supranuclear palsy affects movement, balance and eye tracking. Unfortunately, the neurodegenerative disease progresses more quickly than other commonly known degenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease.
The US National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) states that there is no cure or treatment that can slow the progression of symptoms. Consequently, most patients develop a significant disability within three to five years. The symptoms are far-reaching and affect a person’s ability to function independently. According to the NINDS, symptoms include:
- Unexplained falls caused by “axial stiffness”
- Speech problems and complications due to swallowing
- Unique eye movement problem: specifically difficulty looking up and down.
It is important to remain vigilant if a person in your life experiences multiple indicators of the disease. Some signs of PSP can be mistaken for normal signs of aging, a coincidence, or a freak accident. However, in addition to the physical symptoms, be aware of changes in mood and attitude, including:
- Depression
- Lack of motivation
- Changes in judgement, insight and problem solving
- Difficulty finding words
- Forgetfulness
- Loss of interest in activities the person used to enjoy
- Increased irritability
- Sudden laughing, crying or outbursts of anger for no apparent reason
- Personality changes
- Slowed, slurred or monotonous speech
- Difficulty swallowing
- Mask-like facial expressions
- Sleep problems
There is no word on the severity of Rev. Jackson’s condition or when he will be released from observation.
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