Creutzfeldt - Jakob Disease
Creutzfeldt - Jakob disease was first brought to attention in the 1900s. A strain of thisdeadly disease, termed variant Creutzfeldt - Jakob disease, caused UK citizens to fall illafter eating diseased cattle. However, the classic form of Creutzfeldt - Jakob disease; a fast – acting degenerative disorder creating holes in brain tissues; has no links to such causes. Creutzfeldt - Jakob disease is a severe brain disease which undoubtedly leads to dementia and death. There are three general types of classic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease: Iatrogenic, Genetic and Sporadic.
Iatrogenic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is a strain of dementia caused by medical procedure transmission. It is the least common form of the disease as all cases are accidental. Genetic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is present in approximately 7 per cent of CFJ cases. It is caused by an abnormal gene which is 50 per cent heredity. Sporadic CFJ is the most common form accounting for 90 per cent of dementia patients. The onset is without warning affecting people aged 45 to 75. Sporadic CFJ usually kills the patient within a year of onset. |
Signs and Symptoms
This form of dementia is a fast acting decline in brain processes which may resemble
other degenerative diseases. The signs are symptoms are as follows:
Memory loss
Muscle spasms
Balance and agility changes
Depressive states
Stiff joints and limbs
Difficulty speaking/swallowing
Vision problems
Insomnia
Anxiety
Progression of the disease causes death usually within a minimum of 7 months to
a maximum of 2 years. The decline almost always causes the following related
symptoms:
Worsened mental state
Heart and respiratory failure
Pneumonia or related infections
Coma
Death
other degenerative diseases. The signs are symptoms are as follows:
Memory loss
Muscle spasms
Balance and agility changes
Depressive states
Stiff joints and limbs
Difficulty speaking/swallowing
Vision problems
Insomnia
Anxiety
Progression of the disease causes death usually within a minimum of 7 months to
a maximum of 2 years. The decline almost always causes the following related
symptoms:
Worsened mental state
Heart and respiratory failure
Pneumonia or related infections
Coma
Death
How is Creutzfeldt - Jakob Disease Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of CFJ is an extensive process due to two reasons: it is extremely
difficult to separate from other forms of dementia and similar degenerative
diseases; and CFJ is impossible to detect without an autopsy. However, if it is
suspected to be CFJ doctors may take the following steps to attempt to create a
diagnosis.
A. A detailed medical history is taken. Specifically any symptoms occurring to
determine onset and stage of CFJ.
B. CT scans and MRIS are used to take extensive images of the brain to
determine irregular situations in brain anatomy.
C. EEG is used to measure brain activity.
D. Spinal punctures are performed in the lumbar section to test for a protein 14-
3-3. If the protein comes back positive this is a direct correlation to cell death
which may or may not be because of CFJ.
E. Blood tests may be used to rule out other diseases and to determine if CFJ is
present and possibly genetic.
F. Autopsies after death to determine diseased brain tissues related to CFJ.
difficult to separate from other forms of dementia and similar degenerative
diseases; and CFJ is impossible to detect without an autopsy. However, if it is
suspected to be CFJ doctors may take the following steps to attempt to create a
diagnosis.
A. A detailed medical history is taken. Specifically any symptoms occurring to
determine onset and stage of CFJ.
B. CT scans and MRIS are used to take extensive images of the brain to
determine irregular situations in brain anatomy.
C. EEG is used to measure brain activity.
D. Spinal punctures are performed in the lumbar section to test for a protein 14-
3-3. If the protein comes back positive this is a direct correlation to cell death
which may or may not be because of CFJ.
E. Blood tests may be used to rule out other diseases and to determine if CFJ is
present and possibly genetic.
F. Autopsies after death to determine diseased brain tissues related to CFJ.
Treatment Options
Presently there is no effective way to halt the progression of this disease or an
active way to cure it. The treatment for this disease mainly involves stabilizing
pain and discomfort and modifying movements based on ability. Supportive care
nurses are used and mainly focus on keeping the person comfortable.
active way to cure it. The treatment for this disease mainly involves stabilizing
pain and discomfort and modifying movements based on ability. Supportive care
nurses are used and mainly focus on keeping the person comfortable.
Visit the Mayo Clinic's resources on Creutzfeldt - Jakob Disease for more information