Trouble speaking and walking. Symptoms of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, what is the relation with dementia?

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease or CJD is a rare brain disorder that occurs when proteins called prions damage the brain. This condition starts worsening in a very short time. After diagnosis, a person can survive only for a maximum of one year. Symptoms of this disease can be like Alzheimer’s disease. The disease belongs to a group of human and animal diseases also known as prion disorders. As the condition worsens and brain damage occurs symptoms of dementia Start being born.
(All photos courtesy: freepik)symptoms of cjd

According to the Cleveland Clinic (Reference) Early symptoms of Creutzfeldt-Jakob include-

• change in personality
• memory loss
• blurred vision or blindness
• trouble speaking
• trouble swallowing
• sudden jerky movements
• heart related problems
• lung failure
• pneumonia

cause of cjd

This disease and its related conditions are caused by a change in a type of protein. This protein is called prion. Normally prions are formed in the body, but when they meet infectious prions they take a different shape which is not normal. These can spread and affect processes inside the body. Prion proteins are found in the brains of both animals and humans. Generally they do not cause any harm, but when they get distorted they cause diseases like CJD.

Types of CJD

Proteins can turn into prions for many reasons in the body. The different causes determine which type of CJD you have. There are many different types of CJD.

• sporadic cjd
• genetic cjd
• Acquired CJD
• variant cjd

Risks associated with CJD

The cause of most cases of this disease has not been known. In such a situation, its risk factors cannot be identified but there are some factors which may be associated with different types of CJD.

• age
• genetics
• coming into contact with contaminated tissue

Diagnosis of CJD

• Physical and nervous system examination
• Diagnostic Tests and Imaging
• lab test

Some more tests are done to diagnose this condition like brain MRI, electroencephalogram (EEG), spinal tap, brain biopsy, genetic testing etc.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It cannot in any way be a substitute for any medicine or treatment. Always consult your doctor for more information.