If you’ve heard of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (or CJD) before, you have a general idea of the dread and fear the name can bring – but what do you really know about it? Let’s get started with a primer on this rare but serious condition: Understanding Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease.
What you need to know about Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) is a rare prion disease that affects the brain. It is a neurological disorder that is fatal in all cases. Compared to other neurological disorders, CJD is extremely rare, but it often causes death within a year following diagnosis.
The exact cause of CJD is unknown but it is thought to arise either from genetic mutations or infection from contact with prion contaminated material from another person or animal source.
CJD affects primarily people aged 20 to 50, but can affect people of any age. Symptoms may include dementia, confusion, impaired movement and vision, and depression.
- It is often difficult to diagnose, as there is no single test to identify CJD
- Currently there is no cure for CJD
- Treatments are focused on helping to control symptoms and giving support services
But while there is no cure, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of transmission, such as not consuming game, avoiding recycled human-derived medical materials, and ensuring proper sterilization of medical instruments and equipment. People diagnosed with CJD should also take measures to reduce the risk of transmission to close contacts, such as limiting contact with saliva, urine, and other bodily fluids.
This primer is just a snapshot of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, a rare and often fatal condition. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms consistent with prion diseases, like CJD, be sure to speak to a health expert as soon as possible. While there is no cure currently available, it is possible to receive care to manage the symptoms and reduce the risk of developing more serious complications. With more public awareness and attention, we can further our understanding of this disorder and pave the way for finding treatments to fight back against it.