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Rev. Jesse Jackson Reveals He Is Diagnosed Parkinson's Disease
Rev. Jesse Jackson Reveals He Is Diagnosed Parkinson's Disease
Source: YouTube

Rev. Jesse Jackson Reveals He Is Diagnosed With Parkinson's Disease

Rev. Jesse Jackson has revealed that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

"My family and I began to notice changes about three years ago," Jackson wrote in a statement according to a report from NPR. "After a battery of tests, my physicians identified the issue as Parkinson's disease, a disease that bested my father."

READ: FBI Document Alleges Martin Luther King Was A 'Whole-Hearted' Communist, Held 'Drunken Orgies'

"For me, a Parkinson's diagnosis is not a stop sign but rather a signal that I must make lifestyle changes and dedicate myself to physical therapy in hopes of slowing the disease's progress," he added, before concluding "I am far from alone. I want to thank my family and friends who continue to care for me and support me. I will need your prayers and graceful understanding as I undertake this new challenge."

Approximately one million Americans live with Parkinson's, with 60,000 diagnosed each year. Parkinson's is commonly known for causing tremors and other muscle-control problems, and as it progresses the disease leaves its victims with impaired coordination and balance. There is still no cure for the disease.

Jackson first started noticing symptoms "about three years ago" and has been receiving outpatient treatment for the disease from Northwestern Medicine since then.

At 76, Jackson is a longtime civil rights activist, having worked alongside Martin Luther King Jr., as well as founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

Source: npr.org