DISEASE SCANNER
Global Incurable Diseases Tracker
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD)
A rare, fatal prion disease causing rapidly progressive dementia. Sporadic CJD (85% of cases), genetic (10-15%), and acquired/variant (<1%). Caused by misfolded prion protein (PrP^Sc) leading to spongiform changes in brain. Always fatal within months.
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Symptoms
Treatment Options
Risk Factors
Diagnostic Methods
- 1Neurological examination
- 2MRI/CT imaging
- 3EEG
- 4EMG/NCV
- 5Lumbar puncture
- 6Genetic testing
- 7Neuropsychological testing
Prognosis
Rapidly progressive and universally fatal. Sporadic CJD: median survival 4-5 months, 90% die within 1 year. Variant CJD (from BSE): slower progression, median 14 months. Genetic forms vary by mutation. No curative treatment exists; management is supportive. Early diagnosis allows family counseling and prevents iatrogenic transmission. Autosomal dominant genetic forms have 50% transmission risk to offspring.
Prevention
- Head protection
- Cardiovascular health
- Cognitive stimulation
- Physical exercise
- Healthy diet
- Avoidance of toxins
- Regular monitoring
Research Status
No effective treatment. Supportive care only. Antimalarials (quinacrine) and doxycycline ineffective in trials. RT-QuIC diagnostic test highly sensitive. Research focused on early detection and preventing transmission.
Affected Countries
Sources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539800
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions
- https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.