Unusually Late Onset of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Following COVID-19 Infection in India: A Case Report

Abstract

Numerous studies have demonstrated the rise in neurological and psychiatric issues linked to post-COVID-19 infections. The most prevalent symptoms include encephalopathy, seizures, depression, anxiety, and ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. The occurrence of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) after COVID-19 was unusual, but recent studies have shown a connection between COVID-19 and prion disease. Most cases of CJD present within weeks or a few months after the onset of COVID-19. The late onset of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease following the COVID-19 infection raises questions about the potential pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this association. Although the exact link remains elusive, this case adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting a possible relationship between COVID-19 and neurodegenerative diseases. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and optimize management strategies for post-COVID-19 neurological complications. We present to you an 83-year-old man with a history of COVID-19 infection who presents with memory impairment, mood instability, and declining cognitive function. Despite initial improvement, his condition rapidly deteriorated, ultimately leading to a diagnosis of probable Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.