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Writer's pictureAllan Rowe, LCSW

The Dementia Series: Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) is a rare, neurological disease caused by prions. Prions are infectious proteins that misfold and cause damage to brain cells. CJD causes rapid deterioration.


Symptoms: Mood changes, behavioral changes, insomnia, memory loss, personality changes, blindness, trouble swallowing, trouble speaking, and jerky movements,


Risk Factors: CJD received publicity in the 1990s when several people in Great Britain developed the disease after eating beef from cattle that had developed what is known as Mad Cow Disease (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy). The diseases are different, but both involve prions. Other risk factors include genetics and contamination from medical procedures.


Prognosis: Unfortunately, most individuals die within one year of receiving the diagnosis.


A pesticide sprayer is held in someone's hand.
Eating beef contaminated with Mad Cow Disease can lead to Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease.

Check back next week to learn about Huntington's Disease!


If you or someone you know is struggling with or suspected to have dementia, please reach out. You can click the "Request an Appointment" button or call (504) 356-1469.

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