Jason Matthews, the author of the award-winning series Red Sparrow and former CIA officer, passed away on April 28th due to corticobasal degeneration. This rare, neurological condition causes the degeneration and death of brain cells. Now, his family wants to celebrate his accomplishments and fulfilling life.
Jason’s Life
Jason studied journalism in school before pursuing a career with the CIA. For 33 years, he spent his time as a diplomat in various countries throughout Europe, the Caribbean, and Asia recruiting agents. He then took all of his experiences and knowledge to craft the Red Sparrow series, a trilogy of spy thrillers.
The trilogy follows a dancer turned spy, and it was even produced as a movie with stars Jennifer Lawrence and Joel Edgerton. Shortly after, Jason released the second book of his trilogy: Palace of Treason, with the third and final installment released in 2018.
All of the books contained Jason’s unique voice and knowledge. He was a brilliant man, able to speak six languages, a talented writer, and a keen observer of the human condition. Each of these attributes was present in his work.
Jason Matthews’ passing is a sad loss for all of those who loved him and readers across the world. He will be very missed, and he is survived by his wife Suzanne and two daughters, Alexandra and Sophie.
About Corticobasal Degeneration
Corticobasal degeneration is a rare, neurological condition that causes the death and degeneration of brain cells. As the disease progresses, affected individuals will experience symptoms such as tremors, the inability to control their limbs or make voluntary movements, dystonia, muscle spasms, stiff limbs, speech abnormalities, difficulty swallowing, contractures, and uncoordinated gait. These effects tend to begin in one limb before spreading across the body. As the disease progresses, patients will also become more prone to infection.
Medical professionals are unsure as to why the brain cells begin to atrophy and die off. They believe that both environmental factors and genetics play a role, and research has proven that tau is somehow involved. They also know that the cerebral cortex and basal ganglia are the most commonly impacted areas of the brain. Because of the little knowledge we have of this disease, there is no cure. Treatment is symptomatic.
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