Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD)

Description

A rare, degenerative, and invariably fatal brain disorder. It is a type of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE), also known as a prion disease. CJD appears to be caused by an abnormal infectious protein called a prion.

Common Symptoms

• Rapidly progressive dementia, leading to memory loss, personality changes, and hallucinations. Also includes problems with coordination (ataxia), muscle twitching (myoclonus), and vision problems.

Common Causes

• Caused by the abnormal folding of a normal brain protein, called a prion protein. Sporadic CJD has no known cause. A small number of cases are hereditary or acquired through contact with infected brain tissue.

Treatment Information