Jesse Jackson’s misdiagnosis of Parkinson’s is common – new genetic discovery could lead to treatment for this deadly disease

People typically die from progressive supranuclear palsy within 7 to 10 years. There is currently no specialized treatment or effective screening for this neurodegenerative disease.

By: Jose Abisambra, University of Florida, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: March 13, 2026

Words: 1,076

Last Updated: 4 months, 3 weeks ago

Body Text Preview

By Jose Abisambra, University of Florida

“Yes, doctor. My dad’s first fall was on his 65th birthday. He stood in the driveway and suddenly dropped backwards on his back. After he fell two more times, we came to the clinic.”

The symptoms the patient’s son described didn’t fit the usual diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. The family noted mood changes, including outbursts of anger. When the patient tried reading, the words “jumped” at him. Instead of …

Create a free account to access this story and more

Join Plucky Wire to access full stories, collaborate with newsrooms, and discover content from networks around the world.

About

FAQ

Email Us