Creutzfeldt-Jakob+Disease

= __Name of disease__ ** : Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease **= = = = __Root cause of disease__: The root cause of CJD is presumed to be a protein called a prion, which causes normal proteins to fold abnormally, affecting other proteins’ ability to function (PubMed Health, 2012). = = = = __Affected cell types/tissues/organs/systems__: Brain cells and the brain in general are affected by this disease. = = = = __Historical background__: In 1920 H.G. Creutzfeldt was the first patient to have fit the description of what came to be CJD. In 1921 a German neurologist known as A. Jakob discovered 4 similar cases. From this point, the diagnosis has changed a bit and symptoms as well as effects are slightly different. (Emeritus Senior Living, 2010). = = = = __Common symptoms__: Early on in the disease, there will be memory problems and changes in other mental functions. There will be a loss in coordination and changes in the cerebellum, which is the area of the brain that controls coordination. Other symptoms may include blurred vision, changes in walking, confusion, dementia, hallucinations, lack of coordination, muscle stiffness, muscle twitching, myoclonic jerks/seizures, nervous and jumpy feelings, personality changes, sleepiness, and speech impairment. (PubMed Health, 2012). = = = = __Standard treatments__: There is no known cure for this disease. There are medications such as interleukins that may help to slow the disease, but the outcome of CJD is usually very poor. Within 6 or less month after the onset of symptoms the patient will be unable to care for themselves. Usually within 8 months the disease is fatal, but there have been cases of people surviving for 1 to 2 years. (PubMed Health, 2012). = = = = __Current research__: Researchers are examining whether the transmissible agent of CJD is a prion, as suspected, or if it’s the product of an infection. They are trying to discover factors that influence prion infectivity and how exactly the disease damages the brain. Conducting research on rodent models and on brain tissue from autopsies is allowing researchers to attempt to identify factors linked to susceptibility to the disease. (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2012). = = = = __References__: = = Emeritus Senior Living. (2010). History of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. http://www.emeritus.com/elder-care-resources/elder-care-guides/history-creutzfeldt -jakob-disease = = National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2012). Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Fact Sheet. [] = = PubMed Health. (2012). Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease.[] =