Civil Rights activist Jesse Jackson has reportedly been placed on a form of life support after being hospitalized last week.
Jackson, 84, is receiving life support treatment over blood pressure issues, according to CNN. He was hospitalized last week over a neurological condition called progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).
Jackson has been on medication to manage his blood pressure for several days, though his medical team has been attempting to get him off it. In recent days, the civil rights leader has had flashes of awareness, but his overall health has steadily declined, according to CBS News.
Family and friends of Jackson are reportedly traveling to Chicago to see him as his condition worsens.
PSP is “a rare neurological disorder that affects body movements, walking and balance, and eye movements,” and is “caused by damage to nerve cells in areas of the brain that control thinking and body movements,” according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
The institute notes that “most people with PSP develop severe disability within three to five years of symptom onset.” Jackson has dealt with symptoms of PSP for over a decade, according to the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the progressive civil rights group founded by Jackson.
Jackson began exhibiting symptoms of a neurological disorder years ago and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2017. In April, his diagnosis was confirmed as PSP.
The aging civil rights leader had continued to make public appearances at least up until last year when he appeared at the Democratic National Convention. He continued to appear in person at the offices of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition until a few months ago, though he had been limited to a wheelchair.
His condition has declined steadily while receiving around-the-clock care by family. The Associated Press reported last week that Jackson has struggled to keep his eyes up and that he has not been able to speak.
