Jesse Jackson hospitalised with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy: Meaning and symptoms of rare brain disorder

Longtime civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson has been hospitalised, announced the Rainbow PUSH Coalition on Wednesday. The 84-year-old is under observation for progressive supranuclear palsy, a neurodegenerative condition that he has been managing for a decade, said the organisation in the statement.While he was originally diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, his PSP condition was confirmed in April, they informed. "The family appreciates all prayers at this time," the group said.

A battle with health

Jackson shared his Parkinson's diagnosis in 2017. "After a battery of tests, my physicians identified the issue as Parkinson's disease, a disease that bested my father," he said at the time. "Recognition of the effects of this disease on me has been painful, and I have been slow to grasp the gravity of it."The longtime political activist has worked alongside Dr Martin Luther King Jr and founded The Rainbow PUSH Coalition, a progressive organisation in 1996. He has faced several health challenges, including a gallbladder surgery and hospitalisation due to COVID-19. Here's all you must know about his neurodegenerative condition.

What is Progressive Supranuclear Palsy?

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy or PSP is a rare neurological disorder that affects body movements, walking, balance, and eye movements. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, it is caused by damage to nerve cells in areas of the brain that control thinking and body movement.

PSP is different from Parkinson's

The disorder differs from Parkinson's, even though some of their symptoms may coincide. PSP typically begins from the mid to late 60s, while Parkinson's often starts at 60 or earlier. People with PSP tend to fall backwards, whereas those with Parkinson's bend forward. Tremors are rare in PSP, and most people with the disorder develop eye problems. While people with Parkinson's show great response to Levodopa therapy, those with PSP have minimal or no response. While in PSP, a protein known as Tau is accumulated in the affected brain cells, in Parkinson's, a different protein called alpha-synuclein is accumulated. While Jackson was diagnosed with Parkinson's, a recent diagnosis revealed he has PSP. This disorder can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, choking or head injuries from falls.

What are the symptoms of PSP?

It affects a person's movements, balance, walking, swallowing, speech, and eye movements.

Additionally, it can also have an impact on one's mood, behaviour and thinking. The most frequent first symptom, as per NINDS, is a loss of balance while walking which can lead to sudden and unexplained falls. Stiffness and slow movement can also be considered signs. Most people begin by developing eye problems as the disease progresses, such as:Slow eye movementsDifficulty in looking up and downTrouble controlling eyelidsMoving the head rather than the eyes to look aroundSome symptoms in behaviour can include:DepressionLack of motivationChanges in judgementForgetfulness

Who is at risk of getting PSP?

While the specific cause of PSP is unknown, research suggests that it is caused by damage to the cells in the brain stem.

The tau protein gets accumulated in these cells and spreads to other regions in the brain, causing cells to stop working and die. Some theories about its causes include, random genetic changes, exposure to unknown environmental factors and cellular damage by free radicals. Currently, there is no treatment for stopping or slowing the progress of PSP and symptoms do not typically respond well to medication. Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment and before changing your diet or supplement regimen.