Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease: Two case studies

Abstract

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rapidly progressive, neurodegenerative disorder causing dramatic neuromuscular symptoms, profound dementia, and death. In this article, the epidemiology, etiology, modes of transmission, clinical manifestations, determination of possible/probable CJD diagnosis in life, and the postmortem neuropathology of definite CJD are discussed in depth. Case studies of two individuals, each affected by different subtypes of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD), are presented, along with a discussion of the many challenging nursing and psychosocial issues surrounding the supportive care of these individuals and families in life and death.

A case of very rapid progressive ataxia in rehabilitation setting

“…These findings are consistent with previ v v ous studies showing fast motor decline in patients with sporadic CJD (21). Unlike other studies, we applied specific tests to evaluate daily loss, which showed fast, seve v v re impairment of motor, functional and cognitive v v capacities.…”

The Role of Social Work in Supporting People Affected by Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease (CJD): A Scoping Review

“…More controversially perhaps, they also raise the question of whether it is always right to inform the patient of their diagnosis. While Wickenden (2006) advises clinicians is to tell family the 'hard facts', such as CJD being a terminal condition, even though diagnosis uncertainty is emphasised, Rentz (2003), in an earlier paper, acknowledges that the communication of diagnosis may be distressing for all concerned.…”