Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
The Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) affects about one to two people per million every year and is a rare and fatal brain disease. The disease is a form of prion disease caused by abnormal proteins that damage brain cells. Within a year of onset, CJD can cause rapid deterioration of mental and physical abilities, resulting in death.
Causes of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
There are three main types of CJD, depending on how the disease is acquired:
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It occurs when a normal prion protein in the brain spontaneously changes into an abnormal one for unknown reasons, causing sporadic CJD.
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It occurs when a person inherits a mutation that makes the prion protein more likely to become abnormal, which accounts for approximately 10% of cases.
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CJD acquired from another source, such as contaminated human tissue or animal products, is a very rare type of CJD, occurring in less than 1% of cases.
Symptoms of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
The symptoms of CJD vary depending on the type and the stage of the disease, but they generally include:
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Personality changes, such as mood swings, anxiety, depression, or loss of interest
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Memory loss and impaired thinking, such as confusion, disorientation, or dementia
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Problems with coordination, such as difficulty walking, balancing, or speaking
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Vision problems, such as blurred vision, double vision, or blindness
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Insomnia and other sleep disturbances
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Muscle spasms, twitching, or jerking movements
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Seizures and coma
Diagnosis of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
It is difficult to diagnose CJD, especially in its early stages, because the symptoms can mimic those of other neurological conditions.
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Medical history and physical examination
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Neurological tests, such as electroencephalogram (EEG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or positron emission tomography (PET) scan
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Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, which can detect abnormal prion proteins or other markers of the disease
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Brain biopsy, which involves taking a small sample of brain tissue and examining it under a microscope
Treatment of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
Treatment options for CJD are mainly supportive and palliative, aiming to relieve the symptoms and improve the quality of life of the patient and caregivers. They include:
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Medications, such as painkillers, sedatives, anticonvulsants, or antidepressants
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Nursing care, such as feeding, bathing, dressing, or preventing bedsores
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Physical therapy, such as massage, stretching, or exercises
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Occupational therapy, such as providing aids or devices to help with daily activities
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Speech therapy, such as teaching alternative ways of communication
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Psychological support, such as counseling, education, or support groups
Prevention of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
Sporadic and familial CJD cannot be prevented, but acquired CJD can be prevented by avoiding exposure to potentially contaminated human or animal products.
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Following strict infection control guidelines in health care settings, such as using disposable instruments, sterilizing reusable equipment, or screening blood donors
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Avoiding consumption of meat or organs from animals that may have prion diseases, such as cows, sheep, or deer
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Avoiding use of products that may contain animal-derived ingredients, such as cosmetics, vaccines, or supplements
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Seeking medical advice before undergoing any procedures that involve the brain or the nervous system, such as surgery, transplantation, or injections
In order to receive adequate treatment and support throughout the course of the disease, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if any of the symptoms are noticed.
