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Rev Jesse Jackson discloses Parkinson's disease diagnosis

Related Topics: Parkinson's disease

Chicago • The Rev. Jesse Jackson says he’s been seeking outpatient care for two years for Parkinson’s disease and plans to dedicate himself to physical therapy.

In a Friday letter to supporters, the 76-year-old says family and friends noticed a change in him about three years ago and he could no longer ignore symptoms.

He says the diagnosis isn’t a sign to stop working but a “signal” to make “lifestyle changes” to slow progression of the chronic neurological disorder that causes movement difficulties.

The civil rights icon also released a Northwestern Medicine letter saying he was diagnosed in 2015 and has sought outpatient care.