The civil rights leader was admitted to the hospital on Nov. 13 under observation for progressive supranuclear palsy, a neurological disorder.
Civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson has been released from the hospital after he was admitted earlier this month, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition announced Monday.
Jackson was admitted to Northwestern Memorial Hospital on Nov. 13 under observation for the neurological disorder progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). The Chicago-based civil rights leader was originally diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2013, but the diagnosis was changed to PSP in April, according to Jackson’s organization. PSP can begin with symptoms similar to Parkinson’s.
He “remains in stable condition,” Rainbow PUSH Coalition said.
After disclosing the Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2017, Jackson continued to make public appearances, including at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The two-time presidential candidate stepped down as leader of his Rainbow PUSH organization in 2023 and his son, Yusef Jackson, took over as chief operating officer last year.
The elder Jackson has been using a wheelchair and continued going into the office regularly until months ago, family members said.
In recent months, his relatives, including sons U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson and Jesse Jackson Jr., a former Illinois congressman seeking reelection, have been providing 24-hour care in shifts.
The reverend has struggled to keep his eyes open and is unable to speak. But he has found ways to communicate with family and friends who visit, his son Jesse Jackson Jr. told The Associated Press last month.
“He’ll squeeze your hand,” he said.
What is progressive supranuclear palsy?
Progressive supranuclear palsy, known as PSP, is a rare neurological disorder that affects walking, balance, eye movements and swallowing.
According to the Mayo Clinic, PSP results from the damage of cells in areas of the brain that control body movement, coordination, thinking and other essential functions. The condition worsens over time and can lead to complications such as pneumonia and trouble swallowing.
There is currently no cure for PSP, though treatments can help manage symptoms.
The disorder, which affects people in their late 60s and 70s, is also called Steele-Richardson-Olszewski syndrome, the Mayo Clinic notes.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.