on PinterestRev. Jesse Jackson has died at 84 after living with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rare neurological disorder often misidentified as Parkinson’s.
on PinterestRev. Jesse Jackson has died at 84 after living with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rare neurological disorder often misidentified as Parkinson’s. Chicago Tribune/Getty Images
- Rev. Jesse Jackson has died at 84 after living with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rare neurological disorder.
- PSP is often initially diagnosed as Parkinson’s disease because the conditions early symptoms.
- Unlike Parkinson’s, PSP typically progresses more rapidly and affects eye movement and balance during early stages.
The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a civil rights icon, two-time U.S. presidential candidate, and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, has died at the age of 84, according to The Associated Press, which cited a statement from his family.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Civil Rights leader and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the Honorable Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. He died peacefully on Tuesday morning, surrounded by his family,” the statement read.
“His unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and human rights helped shape a global movement for freedom and dignity. A tireless change agent, he elevated the voices of the voiceless—from his Presidential campaigns in the 1980s to mobilizing millions to register to vote—leaving an indelible mark on history.”
Jackson disclosed in 2017 that he’d been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. However, doctors determined in April 2025 that he had progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rare progressive neurological disorder that’s frequently mistaken for Parkinson’s during early stages of the disease.
It’s unclear whether his death is directly related to the condition. However, according to a family statement following his hospitalization in November and quoted by Today, Jackson was battling “several infections consistent with the progression of his PSP diagnosis.”
Jackson’s experience is increasing awareness of PSP, including why it can be difficult to diagnose, and how its symptoms differ from Parkinson’s disease.
“Rev. Jackson’s openness about his diagnosis brings national visibility to a condition that urgently needs greater public awareness, earlier detection, improved treatment options and ultimately, a cure,” Kristophe Diaz, PhD, CEO of CurePSP, said in a statement last year.
What is progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP)?
PSP is a rare neurodegenerative disorder that affects areas of the brain involved in movement, balance, eye control, speech, and thinking.
The condition gradually worsens over time and is most often diagnosed in people in their 60s or 70s. Common symptoms of PSP may include:
- fatigue
- stiff neck
- general muscle stiffness
- sensitivity to bright lights
- blurry vision or trouble focusing the eyes
- irritability or mood shifts
- impaired judgment
- difficulty moving the eyes, especially looking up or down
- difficulty keeping balance
- repeated falls (often falling backward)
- involuntary shaking of limbs, hands, or feet (tremors)
- slowed down or awkward movements
What causes PSP?
PSP is associated with the buildup of a misfolded form of a protein called tau in certain brain cells.
Tau usually helps support the internal structure of nerve cells. In PSP, however, misfolded tau accumulates and damages these cells, particularly in regions of the brain that control movement, balance, and eye coordination.
Researchers don’t yet fully understand why this protein buildup occurs. Most cases appear to develop sporadically, meaning they are not inherited.
Although rare genetic variations have been identified
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