Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Claims Life of Rev. Jesse Jackson: More About the Rare Condition
PSP affects 6 to 10 per 100,000 and progresses nearly three times faster than Parkinson's, with no effective treatments, experts say.
- On Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, Rev. Jesse Jackson, civil rights leader, died at age 84, with the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition saying he passed peacefully in family presence.
- Diagnosed first with Parkinson's in 2017, Rev. Jesse Jackson's diagnosis was updated to progressive supranuclear palsy in April 2025, a rare neurodegenerative disease caused by nerve-cell damage with no cure.
- PSP symptoms include loss of balance, speech, swallowing, and eye movement issues, and Dr. Amy Brown said, `Eventually it will cause difficulty moving your eyes horizontally, which really impacts patients, light sensitivity, difficulty swallowing and an inability to walk.`
- He had reduced public appearances, including missing his 84th celebration, after hospitalization at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, in November 2026, with his family calling him 'a servant leader' amidst ongoing activism.
- Advocates hope Jackson's case will increase awareness, as PSP affects 6 individuals per 100,000, and research is underway to better understand its causes, said Jessica Shurer.
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Progressive supranuclear palsy claims life of Rev. Jesse Jackson: More about the rare condition
Progressive supranuclear palsy is a rare condition that took the life of Civil Rights icon Jesse Jackson. Also known as PSP, the disease is often confused with Parkinson’s, especially in the early stages. The diagnosis is typically revised as new symptoms arise. PSP progresses much faster than Parkinson’s and is considered more fatal. The public [...]
What is progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), Jesse Jackson's rare illness?
What is progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), Jesse Jackson's rare illness? The civil rights leader faced PSP, a neurodegenerative disorder affecting movement, balance, and eye motion. Jackson also had Parkinsons disease. His family confirmed his death at 84. This article explains PSP, Jacksons life, achievements, family, and legacy.
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