Treatment of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
Treatment of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease focuses on supportive and palliative care, as there is currently no cure or disease-modifying therapy available. Because Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease progresses rapidly, the primary goals are comfort, symptom control, and maintaining dignity throughout the disease process.
1. Symptom Management
Doctors use medications to alleviate distressing symptoms:
- Myoclonus and seizures: Antiepileptic drugs like clonazepam or valproate can reduce jerking movements.
- Anxiety and agitation: Low-dose antipsychotics or sedatives help manage psychiatric symptoms and restlessness.
- Pain relief: Analgesics ensure comfort, especially in the final stages.
2. Nutritional Support
As patients lose the ability to eat and swallow safely. A feeding tube can provide comfort and nutrition, but the decision depends on individual preferences.
3. Mobility and Safety | Treatment of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
Physiotherapists and occupational therapists may provide support during the early stages to reduce fall risk and encourage gentle movement. With proper nursing care, patients avoid bedsores and infections linked to immobility.
4. Psychological and Emotional Support
Both patients and families require emotional support. Counselling, support groups, and hospice services are important resources to help families prepare for end-of-life decisions and cope with grief.
5. Palliative and End-of-Life Care
As the disease progresses, most individuals require round-the-clock care. Hospice services focus on comfort, dignity, and emotional well-being. Clinicians and families should address artificial nutrition, hydration, and resuscitation decisions early in care planning.
6. Infection Control
Although CJD is not contagious in everyday contact, special precautions are taken in hospitals during surgical procedures or post-mortem examination due to the durability of prions on instruments.
Research is ongoing, exploring treatments that block prion propagation, but no therapies have proven effective to date.
Ultimately, the treatment of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is centred on compassionate care and supporting both patient and family through a deeply challenging and rapid disease trajectory.
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