Progressive Ataxia and Cognitive Decline in a 67-Year-Old Male: A Diagnostic Challenge

Abstract

Diseases are divided into Sporadic, Genetic and Acquired (see The Different Types of Prion Disease). The commonest type of human prion disease is sporadic CJD.The clinical features of each form of human prion disease are discussed below. All forms of prion disease are progressive and ultimately fatal. Currently, there are no treatments that have been shown to halt progression or to reverse the disease (see Treatment section). Prion diseases affect the brain and so lead to symptoms of brain dysfunction, including difficulties with movements, memory problems and dementia.Please click on the following to find out more about: SPORADIC CJDSporadic CJD (sCJD) is predominantly a disease of late middle-age with a mean age at death in the late 60s. Cases with onset below the age of 50 are relatively rare, but do occur. The cause of sCJD is unknown.