About this topic
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is also called CJD. It is a rare illness that slowly harms parts of the brain in humans. This illness is caused by a protein that is not normal. ‚
There are two main types of CJD. They are: ‚
- Classic CJD ¢ ˆ ’ There are three types of classic CJD:
- Sporadic CJD happens by chance or for no known reason. This form of CJD makes up most of the cases and starts about the age of 65.
- Familial CJD happens when a person inherits the abnormal protein from a parent. It is very rare.
- An acquired CJD happens when the brain or nervous system is exposed to infected proteins through a procedure. This type is also very rare.
- Variant CJD is caused by eating meat or products from an animal that has this protein. This illness tends to happen in younger patients.
There is no known cure for this disease. Drugs can help slow the disease and control the signs. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- You may need extra care to stay safe at home.
- Use crutches, a cane, or walker for support when you walk or stand.
- Remove loose carpeting from the floor to keep from falling.
- Use chairs with side arms and hard cushions. This will make it easier for you to get up or out of the chair.
- Put grab bars on the walls in the bathroom and inside showers and bathtubs. They can help you get up after using the toilet or bathing.
- Put a shower chair inside the bathroom.
- Join a support group that may help you and your family cope with your disease.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor may want you to see a doctor called a neurologist who is an expert on caring for people who have a brain disease. This is important if you have changes in behavior.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Slow the disease
- Help with pain
- Ease muscle twitching and spasms
- Control behavior
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Not able to interact with others
- Not able to care for yourself
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
Many of the ways to prevent this disease need to be done by following government guidelines: ‚
- Do not donate corneas, tissues, or blood if there is a history of CJD.
- Avoid feeding meat and bone mix to farm animals.
This disease is not passed on through breast milk, semen, urine, feces, tears, or nasal discharge. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Low mood
- Trouble breathing
- Problems seeing or speaking
- Lack of strength and problems swallowing
- Loss of balance when walking and standing
- Muscle stiffness, twitching, or spasms
- Pain that cannot be controlled by drugs
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what I will do to stay safe at home.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have trouble breathing, seeing, speaking, or swallowing.
Where can I learn more?
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke ‚
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cjd/detail_cjd.htm ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Creutzfeldt-Jakob-disease/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚