What is Jesse Jackson’s diagnosis: Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PLP)

The passing of civil rights activist Rev. Jesse Jackson has brought attention to the rare and serious neurological disorder progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).

Rev. Jackson announced in 2017 that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease; it was then found to be PSP. The two neurological disorders are commonly confused among diagnosis, especially in the early stages. They share similar symptoms; however, PSP typically progresses more rapidly than Parkinson’s disease.

What’s PSP?

PSP affects body movements, walking and balance, and eye movements. It’s caused by nerve cell damage in the parts of the brain that control thinking and movements. It’s significantly less common than Parkinson’s disease, though both conditions may initially present with slow movement and stiffness.

What are PSP symptoms?

Common PSP symptoms affect body movement, walking, balance, and eye control. Individuals with PSP often have difficulty looking downward due to impaired eye movement and poor balance. As the disease advances, patients may experience problems with speech, breathing, and swallowing.

What are common risk factors?

Age is the only proven risk factor for PSP. The condition most commonly affects individuals in their late 60s and 70s.

Unlike Parkinson’s disease, PSP has a limited response to medication and tends to progress more quickly. Life expectancy following diagnosis is often 10 years or less, compared to many individuals with Parkinson’s disease, who may live longer with treatment and symptom management.

PSP typically occurs without a known cause. In rare cases, it’s linked to genetic changes. However, for most people diagnosed with PSP, no specific genetic factor is identified.

If you or someone you know is experiencing PSP symptoms or has recently been diagnosed, consider talking to your doctor about specialized care, support, and ongoing research. Educating family members, friends, and caregivers about PSP is an important step in managing the condition.

Image: LBJ Library from Austin, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons