Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD)

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare condition that affects the brain and worsens very quickly. Unfortunately, it’s fatal within a year.

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD)

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare brain disorder that is caused by abnormal proteins that accumulate in the brain cells and damage them.

Causes of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD)

A type of protein called prions changes its shape in a way the body can’t use, and then they build up until they ruin the brain cells.

Types of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease:

• Sporadic CJD, which develops for no apparent reason and it’s the most common type.
• Genetic CJD, which occurs due to the inheritance of an irregular gene from one or both parents.
• Acquired CJD, which occurs after a medical procedure due to a contaminated organ, tissue, or surgical equipment.
• Variant CJD, which happens as a result of eating beef from a cow that is infected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). This condition is called mad cow disease, and it’s very rare.

Symptoms of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD)

CJD may remain in the body without symptoms for years, but once symptoms start, they progress rapidly, and they include:

• Memory issues and frequent forgetting.
• Disorientation and confusion.
• Alterations in the personality and behaviors.
• Delusions or hallucinations.
• Ataxia and balance problems.
• Problems in understanding what is being seen.
• Myoclonus and dystonia.
• Seizures.
• Muscular atrophy.
• Paralysis.
• Coma.

Diagnosis of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD)

• Physical exam.
• Neurological exam.
• Blood tests.
• Genetic tests.
• Imaging tests.

Treatment of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD)

• There isn’t a cure for CJD, and the condition is eventually fatal, unfortunately.