Representative Jennifer Wexton of Virginia announced last week that she would not be seeking re-election after receiving a diagnosis of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).

In April, Wexton announced that she had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD). At the time, Wexton was having difficulty speaking, walking, and keeping balanced. Yet as she navigated the challenges of that diagnosis, she wasn’t making the progress she had hoped in managing her symptoms. Additionally, Wexton noticed that the other women in her PD support group weren’t having the same experiences. She sought a second opinion, and her diagnosis was modified to PSP.

“I’ve always believed that honesty is the most important value in public service, so I want to be honest with you now – this new diagnosis is a tough one,” Wexton said in a statement. “There is no ‘getting better’ with PSP. I’ll continue treatment options to manage my symptoms, but they don’t work as well with my condition as they do for Parkinson’s.”

PSP is an FTD disorder that primarily affects the brain’s ability to manage motor functions. Some symptoms of PSP resemble those most commonly seen in people diagnosed with PD; because of this, PSP symptoms are sometimes referred to as “atypical Parkinsonism.” Early symptoms include stiffness in the neck and trunk, poor balance, and frequent falls.

Wexton pointed to these difficulties to explain her decision not to seek re-election.

“I’m heartbroken to have to give up something I have loved after so many years of serving my community,” Wexton said. “But taking into consideration the prognosis for my health over the coming years, I have made the decision not to seek re-election once my term is complete and instead spend my valued time with Andrew, our boys, and my friends and loved ones.”

“AFTD is grateful to Rep. Jennifer Wexton for sharing her diagnosis story so that others can learn about this rare disease,” said AFTD CEO Susan L-J Dickinson. “We believe strongly that no one should have to take this journey alone, and we hope Rep. Wexton can find help from organizations like AFTD and our colleagues at CurePSP.”

Interested in learning more about PSP? Visit the progressive supranuclear palsy section of AFTD’s website for more information.

If you have questions or concerns about PSP, the AFTD HelpLine might have the answers you’re looking for. Contact the HelpLine at 1-866-507-7222 or info@theaftd.org