Jesse Jackson Dies at 84 After Long Neurological Illness. What is PSP?

• 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 share 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.”

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.

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 in some people with PSP, the condition is generally not considered hereditary.

No known lifestyle or environmental factors have been definitively linked to PSP. There is also no known cure. Current treatment focuses on managing symptoms, supporting mobility and communication, and improving quality of life.

Although PSP and Parkinson’s disease share some early similarities, they are distinct conditions with different patterns of progression and response to treatment.

Because both conditions can cause stiffness, slowed movement, and balance problems, distinguishing between them can be challenging in the early stages. As additional features develop, doctors may reassess the diagnosis.

One of the key differences involves balance. People with Parkinson’s often develop balance problems gradually. In PSP, however, balance issues, particularly sudden unexplained backward falls, often appear earlier in the course of the disease.

Eye movement problems are another hallmark of PSP. Many people with PSP have difficulty moving their eyes up or down, which can affect reading, walking down stairs, or maintaining visual focus. This type of eye movement limitation is not typically an early feature of Parkinson’s disease.

Tremor is also more common in Parkinson’s than in PSP. While stiffness and slowed movement can occur in both conditions, tremors are less frequently seen in people with PSP.

Treatment response can differ as well. Parkinson’s disease often responds to medications such as levodopa, which helps replenish dopamine in the brain. In contrast, people with PSP typically experience little or only short-lived improvement from these medications.

Finally, PSP generally progresses more rapidly than Parkinson’s disease. While Parkinson’s can unfold over many years, PSP often leads to more significant mobility and communication challenges within a shorter timeframe.

There is currently no cure for progressive supranuclear palsy. Care focuses on easing symptoms, maintaining safety, and supporting quality of life as the condition progresses.

Some medications used for Parkinson’s disease may offer limited, short-term improvement in movement symptoms, although their benefit in PSP is often modest.

In addition, targeted treatments can address specific challenges. For example, specialized glasses, such as prism lenses, may help compensate for eye movement difficulties, and, in some cases, injections such as Botox may be used to reduce muscle stiffness or spasms.

Rehabilitation therapies can also play an important role. Physical therapy can help address balance and mobility concerns, occupational therapy may assist with adapting daily activities, and speech therapy can support communication and swallowing.

Because PSP affects multiple areas of function, care often involves a team-based approach tailored to each person’s symptoms and needs.

Researchers continue to study the role of the tau protein in hopes of developing treatments that could slow disease progression.