Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) is a degenerative, fatal brain disorder. Five to 15 percent of cases are caused by inherited mutations of the prion protein gene, which is called variant CJD (vCJD). The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 85 percent of cases occur sporadically (classic CJD), where normal prions transform into abnormal prions. According to the CDC classic CJD is not "mad cow" disease, however, vCJD is related. The U.S has about 200 CJD cases each year, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Depression
Depression is one of the first signs of CJD. People who are depressed have a difficult time concentrating, they often feel tired, have feelings of worthlessness, lose interest in activities and have unexplained physical aches, pains and digestive problems. Since depression is a symptom of many other diseases and because, there is no definitive test for it, other than brain autopsy. CJD is very difficult to diagnose.
Dementia
Memory loss occurs as the disease quickly progresses; patients will start to forget simple things like what they had for lunch or what day it is. This simple forgetfulness quickly develops into profound memory loss. People with dementia eventually lose the ability to speak, think and remember and will no longer be able to physically move their body or have control over bodily functions.
Vision Loss
The disease begins in the brain where it starts to destroy the person's vision. The person will first experience blurred vision which will continue to deteriorate until he is blind.
Sensations
With vCJD the symptoms are the same as classic CJD but these patients may also experience skin that feels sticky and have sensations of coldness and pain.
Death
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the onset of symptoms begins later in life, around the age of 60, and 90 percent of patients die within the first year. People with CJD die as a result of heart failure or respiratory failure. Heart failure is when the heart pumps blood at a slower rate throughout the body and the pressure in the heart increases. The heart is weakened and cannot get enough oxygen to the body. Respiratory failure occurs when the body cannot evenly exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. Patients with classic CJD often die in less than a year. Patients with vCJD tend to live between 12 and 14 months.
