Symptoms of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
Symptoms of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease typically begin subtly and progress rapidly over weeks or months. The hallmark of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is a swift and severe decline in mental and physical function, with death usually occurring within 6 to 12 months after symptoms appear. Recognising these symptoms early is critical for diagnosis and supportive care.
1. Early Cognitive Changes
The first signs often include memory loss, impaired judgement, confusion, or difficulty concentrating. These may mimic Alzheimer’s disease but progress far more rapidly. Personality changes, depression, and anxiety may also be early features.
2. Motor Dysfunction
As the disease advances, muscle stiffness (rigidity), jerky movements (myoclonus), coordination problems (ataxia), and speech difficulties emerge. Patients often struggle to walk, use their hands, or perform basic tasks due to deteriorating muscle control.
3. Visual Disturbances
Blurred vision, double vision, and even partial blindness can occur due to involvement of the visual cortex. Some patients also report hallucinations or visual illusions.
4. Behavioural and Psychiatric Symptoms
In some types of CJD, especially variant CJD, mood swings, paranoia, hallucinations, or social withdrawal may precede neurological symptoms. These can lead to misdiagnosis as a psychiatric illness in the early stages.
5. Seizures and Muscle Spasms
Myoclonus, characterised by sudden, involuntary muscle jerks, is common. Seizures may also develop in some cases, especially in later stages.
6. Dementia | Symptoms of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
Rapid-onset dementia is a defining feature. Patients lose the ability to think clearly, remember, make decisions, or interact socially. Speech becomes incoherent, and eventually, verbal communication ceases altogether.
7. Coma and Death
In the final stages, individuals become immobile, unresponsive, and eventually fall into a coma. Death typically results from infections, such as pneumonia, or from complications related to immobility and organ failure.
The symptoms of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease progress quickly and devastatingly, often leading to full dependency within weeks. Early identification allows families to prepare for palliative care and emotional support, even though a cure is currently unavailable.
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